Dolly Parton had a heart of gold — just ask Billy Ray Cyrus.
As Cyrus, 65, continues to grieve the death of his longtime friend, the “Achy Breaky Heart” singer reflected on his special memories of Parton via Instagram on Friday, August 28.
“Rest in Peace Miss Dolly. This is the last performance she and I did together in Dollywood for her Christmas special. We sang ‘Christmas Where We Are’!” he wrote alongside a photo featuring himself and Parton.
Cyrus went on to explain that the moment was particularly poignant for him, sharing that Parton stepped up for him in his time of need when his mom, Ruth Ann “Ruthie” Casto, died in 2022.
“What most people don’t know is Dolly moved the entire film schedule shoot date because my mom Ruthie had passed away,” Cyrus wrote. “Dolly Parton … You have touched the hearts of the world . You have made your mark and made it well …. A shining light that will shine on beyond the sun and moon …and certainly this crazy planet.”
Cyrus concluded, “From this day henceforth is forever known as … at least in my broken heart 💔…. as After Dolly. A.D. 8.25.26 A.D.”
The country singer broke his silence over Parton’s death earlier this week in a tribute to the late “Jolene” hitmaker.
“I have so many moments and memories with Dolly, it’s hard to know where to start. Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton. She was a part of our lives, on our TV’s, right in our living rooms,” he wrote via Instagram. “In 1992, I’ll never forget walking into her dressing room to apologize for all the tabloid stories which claimed I was having an affair with her. In true Dolly fashion, she just looked at me, winked and said, Honey, this trash sells records!’”
Cyrus added, “Dolly recently sent me a beautiful message, telling me she loved me with her whole heart. I will always love her in the same way ….. with my whole heart … and I always will.”
News broke on Tuesday, August 25, that Parton had died after a brief battle with an undisclosed form of cancer.
“Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee,” read a statement from Parton’s rep. “A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth and kindness that made us all feel like family.”
