Dolly Parton gives goddaughter Miley Cyrus 'tough love'
Dolly Parton's goddaughter is Miley Cyrus, and the latter turns to the music icon for some honest advice.
Dolly Parton gives her goddaughter Miley Cyrus "tough love".
The 33-year-old singer knows she can rely on music legend Dolly, 80, to help her during difficult times.
Miley told the new issue of Britain's Closer magazine: "Dolly is always great with advice. The thing with her is that I know whatever question I ask her, she is going to give me an honest answer; that's her way. Even if it means a bit of tough love.
"She is one of the coolest people in the industry and has been for so many years."
Dolly has encouraged her goddaughter to embrace her mistakes.
Miley said: "One thing about her, though, is that she isn't afraid to laugh at herself, and that's something I think she has tried to instil in me.
"Not everything has to be serious; it's OK to laugh at yourself."
In September 2025, the Flowers hitmaker revealed that Dolly had helped her overcome "devastation and grief" in her life, including the California wildfires in 2018.
Speaking to 58-year-old actress-and-model Pamela Anderson for CR Fashion Book, Miley explained: "During the fires, when there was so much devastation and grief, in those moments I always thought of Dolly Parton.
"Through her music and her gift for making people happy, she’s always been medicinal in those times.
"She always tells me that moments of trauma aren’t times to shut down or give up as entertainers. It’s our duty - one of the reasons we chose this calling - to be a source of joy and inspiration during moments of trouble.
"Of course, it’s sensitive. There’s a balance, and even some controversy, in how people feel you should respond in times like that. But I think the way we showed up reflected who we are as artists."
In September 2024, Dolly was amazed to learn that she and Miley are seventh cousins, once removed, according to Ancestry.
The pair have always been "so close", with Dolly adding to Access Hollywood: "I would've thought we would've been at least third cousins, ten times removed."
And the 9 to 5 hitmaker said Miley has always felt "like family" to her.
Dolly said: "I’m sure she'll get a kick out of that, but it doesn’t surprise me because she does feel like family."
