Miley Cyrus honors Dolly Parton with emotional tribute at Hollywood Bowl
Miley Cyrus paid an emotional tribute to her late godmother, Dolly Parton, during a performance at the Hollywood Bowl on Friday.
The singer broke down in tears as she recalled a special memory of Parton before performing the country legend's hit song "Jolene."
Cyrus told the audience that the only time she had seen Parton perform live was at the Hollywood Bowl. Although Parton had invited her to join her onstage that night, Cyrus said she wanted to experience the concert as a fan.
Reflecting on the memory, Cyrus said she feels Parton's presence more than ever following her death in August at age 80.
"Like so many things Dolly did, that I didn't understand it at the time, sitting here with you all right now, feeling her all around me, knowing that she's right here beside me everyday, all the time, more than she could be when she was here," Cyrus told the crowd. "I feel her, now more than ever."
"Me and Dolly, we are eternal. Nothing in this life could tear us apart," Cyrus said through tears. "And I'm gonna see her again."
The performance came as Cyrus returned to the stage following the September release of her 10th studio album, "Bass Persuades."
When announcing the album and Hollywood Bowl performance, Cyrus shared her excitement about taking the stage at the iconic Los Angeles venue for the first time.
"It's been a while. The Hollywood Bowl is my favorite place to experience music and see my favorite artists," she wrote on Instagram. "I've sat in those seats many times, but I've never taken the stage. LA is my heart and I'm bringing it home."
"Bass Persuades" follows Cyrus' 2025 album "Something Beautiful" and 2023's "Endless Summer Vacation," which featured her Grammy-winning hit "Flowers."
Earlier this year, Cyrus also celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Disney Channel series "Hannah Montana" with a special commemorating the show that launched her career.
Cyrus' Hollywood Bowl tribute follows a heartfelt social media message she shared shortly after Parton's death.
"The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. Our most sacred moments were private and they'll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts," Cyrus wrote alongside a photo of Parton.
She continued, "What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong. I have an angel by my side. I always have."
