Dolly Parton’s Words About Her ‘Fairy Goddaughter’ Resurface: ‘One of My Favorite Things’

For millions of fans who grew up watching Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus‘ close relationship on and off camera, their special bond remains one of pop culture’s most endearing pairings.

Now, a newly resurfaced reflection shared by Parton’s team on her Substack is shedding new light on what those shared moments meant to the late country legend. Looking back on their iconic projects together, Parton’s own words reveal why working alongside her beloved goddaughter held such a unique place in her heart.

In an excerpt from her book Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics, published in November 2020, the country superstar shared details of her connection with Cyrus. She wrote about their collaboration on the song “Rainbowland,” and how she came to be her “fairy godmother.”

“One of my favorite things that I’ve ever done is a song called ‘Rainbowland’ with Miley Cyrus, my goddaughter. I love her to death,” Parton mused in her book.

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“I just think Miley is one of the most talented singers, actresses, and comedians. Everything she does, I just think she’s great at. And I’ve always said Miley will always land on her feet, no matter what she goes through or puts other people through,” the entertainer quipped.

Parton recalled how she became Cyrus’s “fairy godmother.”

“I worked with Billy Ray [Cyrus, Miley’s father] back in the day. We did tours together, and he actually opened my shows in the early, early days of ‘Achy Breaky Heart.’ That’s when I got to know him. Then, when Miley was born, we were such good friends by then that we said, ‘Well, I’ve got to be her fairy godmother, at least.’ So that’s kind of how that happened,” she explained.

“Through the years, I became Aunt Dolly to her. When she was doing Hannah Montana, she wanted Aunt Dolly on there, so I went on as Aunt Dolly. We just became very close,” Parton added.

After Parton’s passing on August 25, 2026, Cyrus posted an Instagram tribute.

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It read, “The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts. What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong. I have an angel by my side. I always have. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis.”

Cyrus concluded, “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.”

Related: Dolly Parton Remains Pop Culture’s Favorite ‘Reason to Smile’ as Her Legacy is Honored