Miley Cyrus delivered a moving tribute to her late godmother, Dolly Parton, during her performance at the Hollywood Bowl on Friday.
The singer became emotional while sharing a cherished memory of Parton before launching into the country icon’s classic hit “Jolene.”
Cyrus told the crowd that the only time she saw Parton perform live was at the Hollywood Bowl. Parton had invited her to join her onstage, but Cyrus chose to remain in the audience and take in the show as a fan.
Looking back on that night, Cyrus said she now feels Parton’s presence more strongly than ever after 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 audience. “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 emotional appearance marked Cyrus’ return to the stage after the September release of her 10th studio album, “Bass Persuades.”
When she announced the album and the Hollywood Bowl concert, Cyrus expressed excitement about performing for the first time at the famed Los Angeles venue.
“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” comes after Cyrus’ 2025 album “Something Beautiful” and her 2023 release “Endless Summer Vacation,” which included the Grammy-winning song “Flowers.”
Earlier this year, Cyrus also marked the 20th anniversary of the Disney Channel series “Hannah Montana” with a special honoring the show that propelled her to fame.
Her Hollywood Bowl tribute followed a deeply personal message Cyrus posted on social media soon 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