Miley Cyrus has shared intimate details about her final conversation with Dolly Parton, who passed away on August 25, 2026. In an Apple Music interview with Zane Lowe, Cyrus described how their last exchange was about her new album Bass Persuades, which was released on September 18, 2026. She mentioned that Dolly had always been the first person she showed her vinyls to after they were printed.
Cyrus said that Dolly was the first person she would send a vinyl copy to after having one printed. She explained how Parton’s guidance during Disney’s Hannah Montana helped shape her understanding of presenting herself in public. Cyrus noted that Dolly taught her to maintain a persona while still staying true to who she is inside.
She added that sometimes she refers to what she does as drag because her public image differs greatly from her private self. Despite the differences, she said Dolly always understood and accepted that part of her. Cyrus shared how Dolly once told her music is a way to escape from life’s struggles.
She also recalled that Dolly encouraged her to perform at the Grammy Awards. Parton encouraged Cyrus to take the stage at the 2024 Grammys when Cyrus had doubts about performing. Cyrus later won her first Grammy Awards that night.
The country icon died at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer, her representative told People. She passed away at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville. Parton’s official website announced her death on August 25 and said she died peacefully in Nashville.
Cyrus became emotional while describing their last conversation. She explained that Dolly knew how she presented herself, even though they were very different people. Cyrus said Dolly appreciated the authenticity beneath all the performance and glamour.
Cyrus told Lowe that Parton’s glamorous public image did not change how genuine she was away from the stage. She said Parton showed her that someone could have a larger-than-life persona without losing their real identity.
She also mentioned how Dolly always gave her good advice and that she often called her for guidance. Cyrus reflected on how growing older made her realize how much of what she did came from those early lessons. She said that Dolly had always been right in her guidance and that her advice shaped her path.
Cyrus also shared how she felt a deep connection with Dolly, even though they were very different. She said that the last time they spoke was when she told Dolly about her new record. Cyrus said she would always love Dolly and wanted to make her proud, according to People.
She added that Dolly would want her to feel the pain of loss, write about it, and keep going strong. Cyrus also said that she feels Dolly is always with her, watching over her. She posted a throwback photo of Dolly on Instagram and wrote about how hard it is to lose someone so special.
In that tribute, Cyrus wrote that one of their last conversations was about music and change. She said their most personal moments would remain private.
Cyrus said that her heart breaks for the world, Dolly’s family, and friends who will miss her deeply. She also mentioned how Dolly had always encouraged her to be bold and true in her artistry. Cyrus said that she cried while singing ‘I Will Always Love You’ with Dolly, and it was a moment of deep emotion.
The two performed the song during Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party at the end of 2022. They also performed together at the 2019 Grammy Awards and recorded music together during their long relationship.
She added that she knew the reason for her tears then — and now — was because of how much Dolly meant to her. Cyrus also noted that Dolly’s legacy lives on through her music and the impact she had on others.
Bass Persuades was released Friday and is Cyrus’ 10th studio album. Apple Music lists 11 songs on the album. Cyrus told Lowe that even after Parton’s death she still planned to continue their tradition by sending her a vinyl copy of the record.
IMAGE Cyrus in 2019 Raph_PH CC2