Miley Cyrus broke down in tears while paying tribute to her late godmother Dolly Parton during a performance at the Hollywood Bowl on Friday.
The singer became emotional as she shared a personal memory of the country music legend before performing her hit song Jolene.
Dolly Parton. Photo credit: Bart Sherkow, Shutterstock
Cyrus told the audience that the only time she had ever seen Parton perform live was at the Hollywood Bowl.
Although Parton had invited her to join her onstage, Cyrus decided to stay in the audience and enjoy the show as a fan.
Looking back on that night, Cyrus said she now understands the significance of the experience and feels Parton's presence more than ever following her death in August at the age of 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," she told the crowd.
Dolly Parton. Photo credit: Carl Beust, Shutterstock
The emotional tribute continued as Cyrus spoke about the bond they shared.
"Me and Dolly, we are eternal. Nothing in this life could tear us apart," she said through tears. "And I'm gonna see her again."
The performance marked Cyrus' return to the stage following the September release of her 10th studio album, Bass Persuades.
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."
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When announcing the album and her Hollywood Bowl appearance, the singer revealed that the Los Angeles venue had always held a special place in her heart.
"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 her 2023 record Endless Summer Vacation, which featured the Grammy-winning hit Flowers.
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Earlier this year, Cyrus also celebrated the 20th anniversary of Hannah Montana, the Disney Channel series that launched her career, with a special marking two decades since the show's debut.
Her latest tribute comes after she shared an emotional message following Parton's death, explaining that much of their relationship had been kept private.
"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 photograph of Parton.
Dolly Parton. Photo credit: DFree Shutterstock
She added that she believed Parton would want her to work through her grief creatively and find the strength to keep going.
"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."
