Billy Ray Cyrus Discloses Dolly Partons Last Message to Him — Miley Recalls One of Her Final Conversations with Aunt Dolly

In the midst of worldwide mourning for Dolly Parton, two heartfelt farewells from family members have revealed the stark reality of her final moments.

Billy Ray Cyrus recently disclosed the heartfelt message Dolly sent him shortly before her passing, reflecting a friendship that endured through years of speculation and media frenzy. He traced their connection back to a pivotal moment in 1992 that, as he describes, transformed their relationship.

Miley Cyrus also expressed her own goodbye, reminiscing about one of her last exchanges with the country legend she affectionately called ‘Aunt Dolly.’ Their conversation revolved around a theme more significant than they might have anticipated at the time.

A Trusting Relationship

Billy Ray reflected on how Dolly had been a constant presence in his life since childhood, well before they collaborated professionally. ‘Like every little boy, I grew up adoring Dolly Parton,’ he shared in a heartfelt Facebook tribute.

He noted that she was simply a fixture in American households, appearing on television and becoming part of everyday life. The essence of their relationship, however, can be traced to a specific afternoon in 1992 when he entered Dolly’s dressing room to offer a heartfelt apology.

At that time, media outlets were fueling rumors of an affair between the two stars, and Billy Ray felt compelled to apologize directly to her regarding the slander.

Dolly’s response became a cherished memory for him. According to Billy Ray, she simply winked and playfully remarked, ‘Honey, this trash sells records!’

That one remark, delivered with a sense of humor, defined the nature of their friendship. For Billy Ray, it encapsulated Dolly’s essence: unfazed by gossip and generous with her laughter.

Dolly’s Last Words to Billy Ray

This longstanding memory added weight to Dolly’s final message to him. Billy Ray shared that she reached out recently with a message he described as profoundly beautiful.

‘Dolly recently sent me a lovely message, expressing her unconditional love for me,’ he revealed. He plans to carry that love forward forever: ‘I will always love her with my whole heart … and that will never change.’

Billy Ray did not clarify when or how Dolly communicated this message. He concluded his tribute by stating he had countless memories with her and found it challenging to pinpoint where to begin recounting them.

Miley’s Tribute to ‘Aunt Dolly’

Miley offered her own tribute, opting to keep most of their exchanges private. In an Instagram post, she expressed that the loss of ‘Aunt Dolly’ was too profound to capture in words.

‘Our most cherished moments were shared in private, remaining behind the scenes, beneath the glamour, and within our hearts,’ she stated. However, she did share a brief insight into their last conversations.

Miley indicated that one of her final talks with Dolly revolved around themes of music and transformation, highlighting this with a butterfly emoji.

She felt certain of what Dolly would wish for her now: to fully experience her grief, channel it into a song, and move forward with resilience. ‘I have an angel by my side. I have always had,’ Miley expressed.

Miley concluded her post by expressing sympathy for Dolly’s family, friends, and fans worldwide who will feel her absence. She believes they will continue to ‘see her in all the beautiful things’ that lie ahead.

A Sister’s Goodbye

One of the most heartfelt tributes following Dolly’s death came from her younger sister, 77-year-old Stella Parton. In a Facebook post dated August 27, 2026, Stella revealed insights into the close relationship they shared for decades — steeped in early mornings, strong coffee, and the brutal honesty only siblings can provide.

Stella recounted a long-standing Tuesday morning tradition where she and Dolly would connect over the phone before sunrise, catching up on news, making plans, and relishing in their sisterhood.

‘Every Tuesday, around this time, before dawn, we would share coffee over the phone for many years,’ Stella shared. Being farm girls who rose early, she nostalgically recalled how Dolly would joke that they accomplished more before sunrise than most did all day.

Yet, it was a particular anecdote about Dolly’s last days that left many readers touched. Stella wrote:

‘What the world witnessed was exactly who she was. In fact, she recently told me if there was no hope left for her, she would still allow her medical team to pursue experimental treatment to aid others in the future.’

According to Stella, this was entirely consistent with Dolly’s character: ‘My sister always thought of others first.’ She encouraged fans to honor Dolly’s legacy by embodying the same values — showing kindness, uplifting others, and giving selflessly, just as Dolly had until her final moments.

As previously mentioned, the connection between Dolly and Miley extended beyond mere celebrity; Dolly, who never had children, poured her affection into her goddaughter from the very start.

The country star was married to Carl Thomas Dean for nearly 59 years — tying the knot on May 30, 1966 — but they did not have children. Dolly opened up about her reasons for not having kids.

In 1982, Dolly suffered from severe abdominal bleeding that led her to seek medical care and cancel a tour. Two years later, she underwent a partial hysterectomy, which left her unable to bear children.

This news plunged her into a two-year depression and prompted her to reduce her professional commitments. She reflected on this time as a dreadful period but ultimately believed it was a message from God, instructing her to slow down and confront her life’s challenges.

Dolly believed that God had plans for everything, including her not becoming a parent so that she could embrace others’ children as her own.

Before facing health issues, she and her husband had contemplated starting a family, even discussing whether their children would resemble Carl or her. They had even chosen the name Carla for a future daughter.

Eventually, both realized that their dream of parenthood was not meant to be, and as they aged, they understood it was likely for the best. Carl passed away on March 3, 2025, at the age of 82, and Dolly followed on August 25, 2026, at 80.

Dolly felt that had she become a mother, she would have sacrificed everything for fear of leaving her children behind while touring.

Her life would have taken a drastically different path, and she likely would not have become the country music icon she is known for today. Nevertheless, she found fulfillment in her role as a godmother to a celebrated pop star.

Dolly became Miley’s godmother due to her close friendship with Billy Ray. When Miley was born, it was a mutual decision between her father and Dolly for her to take on this role.

Dolly took her role as Miley’s godmother seriously. Miley was just a child when she began her journey on ‘Hannah Montana.’ On the set, she celebrated her 13th birthday and rapidly ascended to fame and fortune. Despite this, she managed to avoid what she called ‘new money syndrome,’ thanks to Dolly’s guidance.

Dolly praised Miley for her stellar performance on ‘Hannah Montana.’ Miley, who affectionately calls her ‘Aunt Dolly,’ was instrumental in convincing Dolly to appear on the show, which led to a fruitful collaboration.

Dolly fondly recalled the moments they shared on the sitcom, saying, ‘Here I am, Miley’s fairy godmother, and I get to experience all this alongside her.’

Their chemistry on the show proved to be a win-win, as Miley introduced Dolly to a new generation of fans. Dolly was thoroughly impressed by Miley.

‘Watching her professionalism was a joy; I observed her like a proud mother, thinking, ‘You go, you little star, I’m so proud of you,” she expressed.

Miley credits Dolly for instilling grounding values in her, teaching her to respect others, and to acknowledge those in lesser positions. Witnessing Dolly’s treatment of others serves as a constant reminder for Miley and her family of what truly matters.

Not only did Dolly impart essential life lessons to Miley, but she also shielded and supported her. When Miley began transitioning away from her child star image to take on bolder performances, Dolly stood by her and defended her against critics. She highlighted Miley’s evolution, recognizing her intelligence and talent.

Dolly saw Miley as simply trying to carve out her own path. ‘She is so much like me,’ Dolly remarked, commending Miley for being a talented singer and songwriter who was discovering her true self.

Dolly only offered advice when Miley sought her out but never pressured her to conform to a certain mold. She wholeheartedly supported Miley’s journey. Today, Miley is an accomplished artist with whom Dolly has performed duets and shared songs.

Miley claims there is nobody who does not adore her fairy godmother. She considers Dolly her ‘idol’ due to her remarkable career and sees her as a role model because of her strong morals and values.

‘The Climb’ singer believes everyone should have the opportunity to meet Dolly and experience her as an incredible hero. Dolly represents a fairy godmother for many, and Miley is eager to share her with the world.

At 33, Miley is now creating music that reflects her authentic self. She has moved past the phase of wanting to prove herself and is embracing a new direction in her career and life.

In December 2022, she collaborated with Dolly for a television special, ‘Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party: Legendary,’ which aired on NBC. Miley stated that their chemistry, authenticity, and mutual affection made for compelling viewing.

Their bond is so strong that when Miley expressed a desire to dye her hair brunette, Dolly reacted as if she had received devastating news. ‘You can’t do that. You are me,’ she told Miley, prompting her to keep her blonde hair.

The strength of Dolly and Miley’s connection was on display during a duet of ‘Wrecking Ball’ in 2023. Miley announced this on Instagram, expressing it was ‘an honor’ to have Dolly sing one of her songs. ‘I love Aunt Dolly,’ she added.

Dolly responded to Miley’s post, saying she felt ‘honored to sing’ with her and to be in her presence. She regarded Miley as ‘the most gifted person’ she knows, emphasizing that, while she was proud of their music, she felt even prouder of their relationship.

Throughout their lives, they supported each other’s careers, with Dolly providing essential guidance to Miley. Dolly acknowledged that they consistently had kind words for one another. Though it may sound sentimental, she considered their relationship to be profoundly genuine.

Long before Dolly Parton rose to fame, she grew up in modest surroundings that influenced her profoundly — including the values she later instilled in her goddaughter.

Dolly was the fourth child of 12 born to Avie Lee and Robert Lee Parton, growing up in a tiny two-room log cabin in Locust Ridge, Sevier County, Tennessee, without access to electricity or running water.

As a child, she would stand on the porch and sing her heart out using a tobacco stick and a tin can as a makeshift microphone, already dreaming of performing at the Grand Ole Opry.

She credited her mother, Avie Lee, with providing her spiritual and creative foundations, while she attributed her exceptional work ethic to her father, a tobacco farmer. Dolly made her Grand Ole Opry debut at the young age of 13 in 1959, with Johnny Cash introducing her.

The original cabin from her upbringing still stands in Locust Ridge, and according to reports, Dolly sentimentally repurchased the land after her parents sold it, restoring the home to its 1950s condition.

For fans interested in a closer look, a replica of the cabin — designed by her brother Bobby and decorated with their mother’s approval — can be seen at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge. The original site in Locust Ridge is private property, and trespassers are discouraged.

Beyond Tennessee, Dolly also maintained a less publicized retreat. A report revealed that in 2004, she acquired a modest 1920s triplex farmhouse in Solvang, California, which is often referred to as the ‘Danish capital of America.’ She used it as a private weekend escape for nearly ten years before selling the property.

The unpretentious home, located at the junction of Alisal Road and Maple Avenue in Santa Barbara County, featured several privacy-conscious amenities and included a few unique ‘Dolly-isms,’ such as a small ‘wig room’ in the garage and a birdhouse resembling a Dollywood chapel along the driveway.

The property is currently listed for $1.995 million, with the existing owner hoping that a devoted Dolly enthusiast will become its next inhabitant.