Miley Cyrus has discussed her relationship with her late godmother Dolly Parton in an interview with Apple Music's Zane Lowe. Parton died on 25 August following a brief battle with cancer. Cyrus reflected on the lessons she learned from Parton about authenticity and persona, and how their mentoring relationship shaped her approach to her career and performances.

Cyrus revealed that one thing she never understood about Parton was her insistence on keeping a bathtub on her tour bus, questioning when she would actually use it. During their final conversation, Cyrus discussed her latest album, "Bass Persuades," with Parton. Cyrus noted that whilst Parton was famous for her glamorous exterior—the "faux, the fake, the hair, the makeup"—what truly resonated with people was her authenticity. Cyrus credited Parton with teaching her that one could maintain a public persona whilst remaining true to oneself, and Parton encouraged Cyrus's emotional performances, reminding her that "music is escapism."