Before Dolly Parton became Miley Cyrus’ godmother, she acted as a mentor to the pop star’s famous father, Billy Ray Cyrus. In a 2018 interview with Dan Rather, Billy Ray recalled how Parton helped his country music career, telling Rather:
“When [‘Achy Breaky Heart’] came out, Dolly put me on her tour as an opening act.”
However, as Billy Ray Cyrus revealed, his early professional relationship with Parton was plagued with rumors that the two were romantically involved. He went on to say:
“Some of the headlines in the tabloids had Dolly and myself, pictures of us and saying something was going on.”
The “Old Town Road” singer revealed he was quote “so upset” about the tabloid headlines and rumors. As Billy Ray tells it, he went to Parton to apologize for the vicious rumors concerning them both; however, Parton had quite a different outlook on the tabloid drama. He stated:
“She looked at me, and she said, ‘Honey, that s— sells records.’ From that moment on, we became very good friends.”
#DollyParton #MileyCyrus
A rumored affair | 0:19
Cyrus is Parton’s “fairy goddaughter” | 1:20
Acting talents | 2:15
Miley Cyrus’ evolution | 3:21
Full support | 4:29
Marriage advice | 5:21
Lessons about fame | 6:26
Only nice things to say | 7:24
Statement duet | 8:19
Mutual admiration | 9:12
Pushing boundaries | 10:05
Not worried at all | 10:59