Celebrity3 min(s) read
Billy Ray Cyrus has opened up about how Dolly Parton expertly dealt with rumors they were having an affair early in his career.
As previously reported, Dolly Parton died at the age of 80 on August 25, following a private battle with cancer.
News of her death was shared by her nephew and former head of security, Bryan Seaver, whom she'd asked to deliver the news of her passing to her fans.
It created an immediate outpouring of grief from her friends and legions of fans around the world, who shared tributes across social media.
Among them was singer Billy Ray Cyrus, who has had a close friendship with the star for several decades.
He wrote alongside a series of photos of the two of them together: "I have so many moments and memories with Dolly, it’s hard to know where to start.
"Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton. She was a part of our lives, on our TVs, right in our living rooms."
Billy Ray also revealed how Dolly had dealt with one of the more bizarre rumors to have sprung up while he was appearing as her support act on tour in 1992.
He continued: "In 1992, I’ll never forget walking into her dressing room to apologize for all the tabloid stories which claimed I was having an affair with her.
"In true Dolly fashion, she just looked at me, winked and said, 'Honey, this trash sells records!'"
He continued: "Dolly recently sent me a beautiful message, telling me she loved me with her whole heart. I will always love her in the same way ….. with my whole heart … and I always will."
Dolly's death came on the same day as Billy Ray's 65th birthday, with the pair having shared a long history together.
That anecdote from 1992 came in the same year Billy Ray asked Dolly to be godmother to his daughter, Miley Cyrus.
Dolly revealed in a 2009 interview on Good Morning America: "I’ve known her since she was a baby.
"Her father’s a friend of mine. And when she was born, he said, ‘You just have to be her godmother,’ and I said, ‘I accept.’"
The Country icon added: "We never did do a big ceremony, but I’m so proud of her, love her and she’s just like one of my own."
Miley also shared a heartfelt tribute of her own, revealing details of her final conversations with her godmother.
She wrote alongside a striking portrait of Dolly: "The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share.
"Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts.
"What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong.
"I have an angel by my side. I always have. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis."
She added: "I will always love her and want to make her proud. My heart breaks for the world, her family and friends who will miss her deeply.
"We’re in this loss together and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things."
Dolly Parton is set to be laid to rest in the coming days, with a private service being held for her family and loved ones.
.webp_lli6Ty?tr=cr-74.9.445.380,f-webp,q-70,w-100)