Miley Cyrus Mourns Dolly Parton's Death at 80: 'The Purest Soul'

Miley Cyrus Mourns Dolly Parton's Death at 80: 'The Purest Soul'

  • Dolly Parton, legendary singer, songwriter, and philanthropist, died peacefully in Nashville, Tennessee, on 25 August 2026
  • Miley Cyrus, who was Dolly's goddaughter and co-star on Hannah Montana, broke her silence with a heartfelt tribute on X
  • Fans and followers flooded Miley's post with messages of love and condolence as the world grieved the loss of an icon
Miley Cyrus paid tribute to Dolly Parton.
Miley Cyrus was saddened by Dolly Parton's death at 80. Image: Katherine Bomboy/NBC via Getty Images
Source: Getty Images

The music world is in mourning after global icon Dolly Parton passed away peacefully in Nashville, Tennessee, on Tuesday, 25 August 2026. She was 80 years old. Among the first to share her grief publicly was Miley Cyrus, who took to X just hours after the news broke with a short but devastating message.

"I can't believe we just lost the purest soul. Rest in Glory, Dolly. My heart aches," Miley wrote.

For Miley, this is not simply the loss of a legend. Dolly was her godmother and a constant presence in her life, both on and off screen. Parton famously played Miley's Aunt Dolly in multiple episodes of the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana, a role that touchingly mirrored their real-life bond. The two shared some of their warmest public moments on that set, with photos from the show capturing a closeness that extended well beyond the cameras.

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A Godmother, a Legend, a Family Tie

Beyond her celebrated career as a singer, songwriter, actress, author, playwright, and philanthropist, Parton leaves behind a legacy built on kindness and generosity. Her Imagination Library, which has donated over 200 million books to children worldwide, stands as one of the most far-reaching charitable programmes in modern history.

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Miley Cyrus and Dolly were close.
Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton were close. Image: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Source: Getty Images

For Miley, who has spoken openly over the years about Dolly's influence on her artistry and personal values, the loss is immeasurable.

Fans rushed to comfort the singer in the replies, with many acknowledging just how personal this grief must feel.

@snan4life wrote:

"Glad she inspired you. She inspired us too. You can honour her by inspiring us more than ever ❤️"

@tonibetha said:

"I'm so sorry for your loss, Miley. Hope you are ok"

@Lipsylover185 shared:

"I'm truly sorry for your loss. My condolences to you. I'm sending you so much love and hugs your way today and always. She was and still is a legend; she will never be forgotten. She was gone far too soon. Rest in peace, Dolly ❤️"

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@EvelynD70086821 added:

"RIP Dolly, you will be missed. Such beautiful music and such a pure soul"

@Jodelea said simply:

"I am so sorry for your loss!"

Old video of Dolly debunking rumours

In a previous report from Briefly News, an old video of Dolly Parton debunking death rumours resurfaced on X after the country music legend passed away.

Parton had postponed her Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace and revealed she was receiving treatment at Vanderbilt University Medical Centre in Nashville.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Jessica Gcaba avatar

Jessica Gcaba (Entertainment editor) Jessica Gcaba is an Entertainment Editor for Briefly News (joined in 2023). She is a Journalism graduate from the Durban University of Technology (2019). She has 7 years of experience as an Entertainment and Lifestyle Journalist, having worked at Africa New Media Group, writing for ZAlebs website. She passed a set of training from the Google News Initiative. To reach her, contact: jessica.gcaba@briefly.co.za