Miley Cyrus became emotional during her sold-out Los Angeles concert as she paid tribute to her late godmother, Dolly Parton.
Taking the stage at the iconic venue to launch her concert series in support of her 10th studio album, Bass Persuades, the former Disney Channel star began performing Parton’s hit song Jolene for the sold-out audience.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Flowers singer told the crowd that seeing her godmother perform live at the Hollywood Bowl had inspired her to stage her own shows at the iconic venue.
She told Parton at the time that she wanted to see her perform live from the audience’s perspective, “like the rest of the world has gotten to.”
Cyrus said the late singer responded with, “Okay, Miley,” although she jokingly noted “that never means okay.”
“But that's just not the end of that story,” Cyrus continued to the fans in attendance on Friday.
She added, “And she goes, like a proud aunt, ‘I don't know if y'all know this, but my goddaughter is Hannah Montana, and she's actually here tonight, but she's sitting out in her seat. She didn't want anyone to bug her.”
“‘She said she just wanted to watch the show,’ which defeated the entire purpose of the conversation that we had just had,” Cyrus went on to share.
Cyrus said she feels Parton’s presence beside her more than ever, adding that sharing the memory with fans made the experience worthwhile.
“Me and Dolly, we are eternal,” she tearfully said, expressing confidence that they would reunite again.
Fighting back tears, Cyrus dabbed her eye with a tissue as the audience cheered in support.
She then expressed how deeply she missed Parton and praised her godmother’s songwriting, production and performance talents.
Dolly Parton's death
To note, Dolly Parton passed away at the age of 80 on August 25, and her death was confirmed by her nephew Bryan Seaver in an Instagram video.
