Dolly Parton has recently opened up about her deep connection with Miley Cyrus, referring to her as a goddaughter who embodies the very essence of her life's principles. As she embarks on a journey through her decades-long career in her new book, Star of the Show: My Life on Stage, Dolly reflects on paving the way for "generations of female artists."
In an interview with PEOPLE, the country music legend shares her love for Miley, describing her as someone who is always pushing boundaries and trying new things, with some ventures yielding greater success than others. "She's learned a lot," Dolly marvels. "If you don't have the nerve to try it, you're never going to know. That's kind of like my philosophy," the 79-year-old admits.
Dolly's own journey from making a successful crossover as a solo artist to dominating Hollywood in the 1980s with films like 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias is a testament to her unwavering drive and determination. In the same interview, she shares her philosophy on growth, stating, "You have to grow into things, and you have to grow out of them; that's how I handled my career."
"I needed to try things. A lot of people think because you're a girl, you don’t always know what you’re doing. I don’t care about what other people are doing. I only care about what I need to be doing," Dolly explains with unwavering conviction.
Beyond being a godmother to Miley, the two have collaborated on numerous songs, including Rainbowland and a duet version of the 2013 hit Wrecking Ball, which appeared on Dolly's 2023 album Rockstar. Their musical partnership underscores their shared passion and commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is deemed possible for women in the industry.
