She has always been supportive of her goddaughter's career choices.
In a surprising revelation, country music legend Dolly Parton has expressed her appreciation for the controversial and sometimes shocking actions of her honorary goddaughter, Miley Cyrus. While Parton is no stranger to pushing boundaries herself, she believes that at such a young age, Cyrus has the freedom to shock and even offend listeners.
In a recent interview with Extra, Parton made it clear that she would never speak ill of Cyrus and swore never to be critical of the “Flowers” singer and to offer her full support “no matter what she does.”
The subject came up when Parton was questioned about some of the headline-grabbing issues surrounding Cyrus, including her widely reported breakup with actor Liam Hemsworth, in which she said, “Miley is Miley. Miley is living her life. If she ain’t got drama, she will create it ’cause she’s a living soul. She is like me.”
Cyrus has had her fair share of controversy while being recognized for her risk-taking behavior. She appeared on the cover of Vanity Fair at the age of 15, wearing nothing but a white sheet, sparking a public apology and a wave of outrage.
In 2010, another incident featured a picture of Cyrus smoking from a bong that contained psychedelic salvia. Cyrus likewise apologized and was disappointed in herself for the event, understanding the impact it had on her followers and the principles she upholds, saying in an interview with PEOPLE, “I made a mistake. I’m disappointed in myself for disappointing my fans. For me, it was a bad decision because of my fans and because of what I stand for.”
One of the most infamous instances occurred in 2013 when Cyrus appeared on stage at the MTV Video Music Awards wearing a nude latex bikini while performing a provocative duet with Robin Thicke. Years before they reconciled, got married, and eventually split up, this incident is said to have contributed to her breakup from Hemsworth.
Still, the prominent country music star’s admiration for her goddaughter extends beyond her boundary-pushing acts. She recognizes Cyrus’ exceptional talent and praises her level-headedness, saying, “Miley is so talented. She has a good head on her shoulders.”
Parton’s own career has been distinguished by her willingness to defy expectations, notably in the traditional country music industry. During an NPR interview, Cyrus acknowledged this aspect of her godmother’s legacy, stating, “She pushed the boundaries for country music by looking the way that she does, … saying the things that she says and being sexual in that way. I mean, there’s no one that’s been able to make country music sexual more than Dolly!
She also added: “If you want to be pushing the boundaries, you have to like it. And to remember that you want to make music for the people that love your music, for your honesty, and for your fans.” Likewise, Cyrus commended Parton’s sense of humor, calling it one of the finest traits of the legendary country singer.
It appears like Parton will continue to lend her unshakable support, and Cyrus will keep pushing the frontiers of music and entertainment as they continue to impress audiences with their distinct characters and unreserved approaches to self-expression.