Noah Cyrus has paid tribute to country music icon Dolly Parton following the singer's death at age 80 after a brief battle with cancer.
The Tennessee-born superstar died on Tuesday morning after being admitted on Friday to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville with autoimmune and kidney problems, according to statements from her team and family.
Noah Cyrus took to Instagram on Thursday to share a personal message celebrating the legacy of Parton, who was also the godmother of her sister Miley Cyrus.
Noah shared a carousel of photographs of Parton across the years, explaining that she chose to wait until her older sister had spoken publicly first. "I wanted the first words you heard to come from Miley, and now that she’s spoken, i’d like to share a few words about dolly," she wrote.
Describing Parton as singular and one of a kind, Noah praised the cultural impact of the singer, whose career spanned nearly six decades. "Dolly was a rainbow to our world for nearly six decades, and no one could ever come nor will ever come close to replacing her," she wrote.
Noah added that Parton's influence on the world and on her own artistic development was unparalleled. "She was an angel among us who not only wrote songs that spoke to us all, but whose kindness, compassion, and empathy toward those who truly needed it were at the core of who dolly was," she said.
She highlighted Parton's humble origins and enduring dedication to charitable causes, noting that the icon never forgot where she came from. "She never forgot where she came from, and she never stopped being her true self," Noah wrote. "She made it her duty to help others, not only through her music, but through her kindness and her commitment to helping those in need."
Noah Cyrus, 26, is an American singer and songwriter who earned a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist following the release of her debut album The Hardest Part in 2022. She is the youngest daughter of country star Billy Ray Cyrus.
Noah Cyrus Praises Parton’s Influence
In her post, Noah expressed deep gratitude for the close bond Parton shared with her family over many years. "Her beautiful relationship with my family, especially my sister, is one i will be grateful for my entire life," she wrote.
She credited Parton with inspiring her artistic identity and style. "I am so grateful to her for inspiring me to be who i am, wear those wigs, have those long nails, to write my stories, and to heal people through music," Noah added.
Reflecting on the loss, Noah said Parton would remain a source of comfort and inspiration for future generations. "I am heartbroken she is gone, but only physically. she came into this world, shared her light, and changed it forever," she wrote.
She concluded her statement: "She will now live in our hearts, and her music will continue to be a friend when lonely, and to celebrate with happiness. It will inspire and encourage young songwriters that will discover and learn from the Great Dolly Parton. Dolly, you got your wings. we will ALWAYS love you."
Noah's tribute came one day after Miley Cyrus shared her own emotional social media message on Wednesday. Miley, 33, wrote about the deep grief of losing her godmother while explaining that their most intimate moments would remain private.
"The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share," Miley wrote. "Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts."
Miley added that Parton would want her to process the loss through songwriting and remain resilient. "What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong," she shared, noting that one of their final conversations focused on music and metamorphosis. "I will always love her and want to make her proud. My heart breaks for the world, her family and friends who will miss her deeply. We’re in this loss together and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things."
Miley Cyrus rose to global fame as a teenager starring in the Disney Channel television series Hannah Montana before building a massive pop career featuring chart-topping releases such as Wrecking Ball and the Grammy-winning hit Flowers.
Parton’s Lifelong Bond With Miley Cyrus
Parton shared a close bond with Miley throughout the younger singer's entire life. Speaking on Good Morning America in 2009, Parton explained how she originally became godmother to the future pop star.
"I've known her since she was a baby," Parton told GMA in 2009. "Her father's a friend of mine, and when she was born, he said, 'You just have to be her godmother,' and I said, 'I accept.' We never did do a big ceremony, but I'm so proud of her, love her. And she's just like one of my own."
Parton expressed early confidence in Miley's musical gifts, appearing in a recurring guest role as Aunt Dolly on Hannah Montana beginning in 2006. Speaking to AOL Music in 2008, Parton praised Miley's mature songwriting capabilities.
"The kids love her because she's Hannah Montana, but what people don't realize about her is she is such a fantastic singer and songwriter," Parton told AOL Music in 2008. "She writes songs like she's 40 years old! She's really deep."
Parton also foresaw long-term artistic success for her goddaughter once her teenage television show concluded. "I think she's gonna have a big career after that show is off the air," Parton said. "I know I'm partial, because she's my goddaughter. But I'm amazed at the talent that child has and the effect she has on people."
Family Confirms Death in Nashville
Parton's death was formally confirmed in an Instagram video posted by her nephew Bryan Seaver, who also served as her head of security. Seaver said Parton had asked him years ago to make the video announcement upon her passing.
In the video, Seaver hailed his aunt for having "lived in the light" and said she was now "in the arms of Jesus" alongside her late husband Carl Dean, her parents, and countless others. He noted that family members rushed to Nashville after learning of her hospitalization, though not all arrived in time.
Seaver fondly recalled traveling on tour with Parton as a child during the 1980s, explaining that she opened doors for her entire family to reach unexpected potential. He described her as "a farmer, just like her daddy. He farmed the soil. She farmed songs and happiness."
Seaver added that Parton expressed a final wish regarding her burial. "Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life of wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest," he said.
Dolly Parton was widely known as the Queen of Country, earning international acclaim across a six-decade career for classic recordings including Jolene and 9 to 5. Her passing followed several months of health struggles that forced her to pull out of scheduled public appearances.
Family insiders confirmed that a private funeral service for close friends and relatives will take place in Nashville within the next few days.
