Miley Cyrus broke down in tears while honoring her late godmother, Dolly Parton, during an emotional performance at the Hollywood Bowl on Friday. The tribute unfolded as Cyrus performed before a sold-out crowd at the famed Los Angeles venue.

The 33-year-old singer was opening her concert series in support of Bass Persuades, her 10th studio album. During the show, the former Disney Channel star began singing Parton’s hit track, Jolene.

Parton died at age 80 on August 25 following what her representatives described as a brief battle with cancer. Her nephew Bryan Seaver confirmed her death in an Instagram video.

While addressing the audience, Cyrus recalled watching Parton perform at the Hollywood Bowl. That experience inspired her to stage her own concerts at the venue, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

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Cyrus explained that she had wanted to experience her godmother’s concert from the audience, just as other fans had. She therefore chose not to join Parton onstage during that earlier Hollywood Bowl appearance.

Parton responded in memorable fashion by opening her show with The Best of Both Worlds, a song from Cyrus’s Disney series Hannah Montana. She also told the crowd that her goddaughter was Hannah Montana and was sitting among them.

On Friday, Cyrus said she could feel Parton’s presence as she stood before the Hollywood Bowl audience. Sharing the memory, she explained, made that earlier night feel worthwhile.

“Sitting here with you all right now, feeling her all around me, knowing that she's right here beside me, every day, more than she could be when she was here. I feel her more now than ever.”

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The singer then spoke about the lasting bond she feels with Parton. “This memory is gold to me. Me and Dolly, we are eternal,” she emotionally said. “Nothing in this life could ever tear us apart, and I'm gonna see her again.”

Cyrus paused and brought a tissue to her eye as she lowered her head. Audience members responded with supportive cheers while she struggled through the intensely personal moment.

“And I can't f***ing wait because I miss her,” Cyrus continued. She then praised Parton’s musical legacy before returning to the performance.

“Some of the greatest music that we have today was written, produced, and performed by my Aunt Dolly, and this is one of those songs.” The Grammy winner then performed Jolene for the crowd.

Miley Cyrus breaks down in tears as she pays tribute to Dolly Parton at her Hollywood Bowl show: “Me and Dolly are eternal.” ❤️ https://t.co/oOmXgsmg8F

— Variety (@Variety) October 17, 2026

Viewers also reacted to the tribute on X, where users described the moment as deeply emotional. One person wrote, “Absolutely got me emotional omg.”

Reports surrounding Parton’s death said she had been admitted to Nashville’s Vanderbilt University Medical Center with autoimmune and kidney problems. TMZ reported those medical details following her passing.

Parton’s representatives later released a statement to People about her death. “Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched,” the statement read.

“After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.”

Following Parton’s death, Cyrus posted another tribute on Instagram and called her godmother an “angel.” She shared a black-and-white photograph of Parton and said their most sacred moments would remain private.

Cyrus wrote that she had always had an angel beside her and recalled that one of their final conversations concerned music and metamorphosis. She also said she would always love Parton and would continue wanting to make her proud.

The two performers had worked together in the past, including during Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party to welcome 2023. Parton also appeared with Cyrus in three episodes of Hannah Montana.

Cyrus is scheduled to return to the Hollywood Bowl on Sunday, October 18. The performance is another installment in her concert series supporting Bass Persuades.