Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus are perhaps the most well-known celebrity godchild-godparent duo, but it wasn’t until this week that the “Jolene” singer told the story of how their special relationship came to be.
On Wednesday, Parton sat for an interview on The Howard Stern Show, and while she chatted with the radio show host, the subject of her world-famous goddaughter came up. The pair recently re-recorded their own version of Cyrus’ hit song “Wrecking Ball” for Parton’s new rock album, and while their version of the song is stunning, the two mega stars owe their relationship to another track that topped the charts over 30 years ago.
The iconic country musician is famously close with the “Flowers” singer’s father, Billy Ray Cyrus, and his 1992 single “Achy Breaky Heart” is what led to Parton becoming the Hannah Montana alum’s godmother. Following the success of his twangy tune, Billy Ray toured with the “9 to 5” singer, and the two country crooners became fast friends.
“We just got to be good friends because he’s a Kentucky boy, I’m from Tennessee,” Parton told Stern. She recalled, “[H]e said … ‘We’re having a girl, and you’ve got to be her godmother!’ And I said, ‘Well, I’d be honored.’ So actually, Miley and I took over from there. We just stayed very, very close through the years,” Parton shared.
After expressing her love for Miley, calling the entertainment multi-hyphenate “my little sweetheart,” Parton touched on her behind-the-scenes role in the “Malibu” singer’s career. “Well, she’s asked me a lot of things. She mostly just runs things by me, and we talk,” Parton said.
The proud godmother boasted, “She’s very successful. Miley’s very smart. She’s very intuitive about the business, and I just think Miley’s a spectacular human being and an amazing talent.”
The Last Song star has showered Parton in praise as well, most recently in celebration of their version of “Wrecking Ball” on Parton’s “Rockstar” album. “I’ve grown up covering my Aunt Dollys music & it’s an honor to hear her singing one of my songs,” Miley wrote on X. She sweetly added, “I love you Aunt Dolly! I’m so happy to add another collaboration under our bedazzled (studded leather) belt!”
You might be surprised at whose kids have famous celebrity godparents!
