Billy Ray Cyrus honours Dolly Parton after her death
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Billy Ray Cyrus paid tribute to Dolly Parton following reports of her death, describing their long friendship, touring partnership and her role as godmother to his daughter Miley. His statement also addressed false 1990s tabloid claims that the pair had an affair, recalling that Parton had joked the publicity “sells records”; the tribute drew attention because it followed a birthday post by Cyrus published shortly after the news emerged.
The article says Parton’s death was announced by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, in an Instagram video, and cites TMZ as reporting that she died aged 80 after treatment at a Nashville hospital for autoimmune and kidney problems. Cyrus and Parton became friends after he opened for her in the early 1990s, later releasing the 1993 duet “RomeO”, which reached number 50 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- Cyrus honoured Parton as a close friend and collaborator.
- He recalled their response to false affair rumours.
- Reports said Parton died aged 80 in Nashville.
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Billy Ray Cyrus and Dolly Parton were close friends and musical collaborators for more than three decades. They met in the early 1990s, released the duet "Romeo" together in 1993, and Parton became godmother to Cyrus's daughter, the singer and actress Miley Cyrus.
Their friendship was, for a time, dogged by tabloid rumours of an affair in 1992, which both later addressed publicly and dismissed. Parton, widely regarded as one of country music's most beloved and enduring stars, was 80 years old and had recently been admitted to hospital in Nashville with autoimmune and kidney problems before her death.
The story centres on how Cyrus chose to mark her death, drawing on their long personal history and past exchanges between them, which has prompted public interest and comment given the timing of his post relative to other recent activity on his own social media.
Full account
Reports said country singer Dolly Parton had died aged 80, with her nephew Bryan Seaver said to have confirmed the news in an Instagram video. In response, Billy Ray Cyrus published a tribute recalling a friendship that began when he supported Parton on tour in the early 1990s.
Cyrus wrote that Parton had been a familiar presence throughout his childhood and said he struggled to choose from their many shared memories. He recalled approaching her in 1992 to apologise for tabloid claims that the pair were having an affair, saying Parton had dismissed the stories with humour.
The singer also referred to a recent message from Parton in which she told him she loved him “with her whole heart”, and said his feelings for her would remain the same. Cyrus and Parton later recorded the 1993 duet Romeo, while Parton became godmother to his daughter Miley Cyrus.
One report noted that Cyrus had posted a birthday video featuring family members and celebrities shortly before releasing his statement, prompting online speculation about whether it had been scheduled or whether he was processing the news. Separately, another report focused on Parton’s final public appearance: a recorded message for a Dollywood attraction opening in which she said doctors had advised her not to travel because of dizziness and dehydration, while adding that her medical situation was progressing well.
Where outlets differ
Source 1 concentrates on Cyrus’s relationship with Parton, his tribute, their shared professional history and the reaction to his birthday post.
Source 2 concentrates on Parton’s reported death announcement, her recent health comments and the Dollywood video described as her last public appearance. It gives no account of Cyrus’s tribute.
More coverage
- Daily Mail — Dolly Parton looked energized and relaxed in final public appearance just 11 days before her death
- NME — Dolly Parton’s cause of death confirmed
- Daily Mail — ITV News presenter Mary Nightingale looks teary as her voice breaks while announcing Dolly Parton's death and says she needs to 'take a deep breath'
- Far Out — Cause of death for Dolly Parton confirmed as cancer
- Daily Mail — Dolly Parton's death leaves theatregoers stunned as audience gasps when 9 To 5: The Musical cast member announces the icon has passed away during performance
- Fox News — Dolly Parton's cause of death revealed and more top headlines
- Fox News — El-Sayed's tribute to Dolly Parton after her death sparks internet fury as critics cry foul: 'Gimme a break'
- American Songwriter — Why Dollywood Will Still Open the Day After Dolly Parton’s Death
- American Songwriter — Dolly Parton Will Release One Final Song After Her Death—But Fans Have to Wait Until 2046
- Daily Mail — Buckingham Palace guards pay tribute to Dolly Parton with rendition of 9 to 5 after her death at 80 following cancer battle
- Variety — Miley Cyrus Honors Godmother Dolly Parton: ‘I Have an Angel by My Side. I Always Have’
- Deadline — Miley Cyrus Remembers Godmother Dolly Parton: “I Have An Angel By My Side”
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Billy Ray Cyrus shares emotional tribute to Dolly Parton and reflects on rumors of their 1992 affair: ‘I will always love her’”.