Singer Dolly Parton dies at 80
Music legend and singer songwriter Dolly Parton has died, according to a statement from her family.
Corrections & clarifications: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the episodes Dolly Parton appeared in.
Dolly Parton, the groundbreaking country music icon, died on Aug. 25 at age 80, leaving behind a career spanning music, film, and television.
Parton had been battling cancer before her death, her representatives confirmed to The Nashville Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network.
While Parton was best known for classic songs, including “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You,” she also became a familiar face to a younger generation through Disney Channel’s “Hannah Montana.” The country legend guest starred as Aunt Dolly, Miley Stewart’s godmother, in three episodes of the hit series.
The role reflected Parton’s real-life relationship with Miley Cyrus. Earlier this year, Cyrus credited Parton, her godmother, with inspiring the “Hannah Montana” 20th anniversary special, saying the legendary singer encouraged her to promote ideas before they officially existed.
“I learned this terrible habit, but I actually think it was good advice, from Dolly,” Cyrus told Variety. “She told me that if you want something to happen, promote it before it exists. Then no one can say no.”
Where to stream Dolly Parton ‘Hannah Montana’ episodes
All four seasons of “Hannah Montana,” including every episode featuring Parton, are available on Disney+.
Which ‘Hannah Montana’ episodes feature Dolly Parton?
Parton appeared as Aunt Dolly in three episodes of the Disney Channel series. Her guest appearances highlighted the close bond she shared with Cyrus both on and off the screen.
The episodes are:
- Season 1, Episode 16: “Good Golly, Miss Dolly” (2006)
- Season 2, Episode 20: “I Will Always Loathe You” (2007)
- Season 4, Episode 11: “Kiss It All Goodbye” (2010) (Note: This is listed as Episode 12 on some streaming platforms but originally aired as Episode 11.)
Dolly Parton’s lasting connection to Miley Cyrus
Parton had been close friends with Miley Cyrus’ parents, Billy Ray Cyrus and Tish Cyrus-Purcell, for decades, making her a natural fit to play Miley Stewart’s godmother on “Hannah Montana.”
“I have so many moments and memories with Dolly, it’s hard to know where to start,” Billy Ray Cyrus said in an Instagram post on Aug. 25. “Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton. She was a part of our lives, on our TV’s [sic], right in our living rooms.”
Miley Cyrus said she began publicly talking about a “Hannah Montana” anniversary celebration before Disney had officially approved one, sending fan reactions to company executives as interest grew. Disney ultimately moved forward with the project, which premiered on Disney+ in March 2026.
Today, Parton’s guest appearances on “Hannah Montana” remain one of the many ways fans can celebrate her legacy, introducing her warmth, humor and unmistakable charm to a generation that grew up watching the Disney Channel series.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com or on X @athompsonUSAT
Contributing: Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY; Bryan West, The Nashville Tennessean