Dolly Parton led a decades-long career marked by sing-along country classics, diamond-encrusted attire and philanthropic efforts. But Disney Channel fans in the 2000s knew her as Aunt Dolly: the doting godmother of Miley Stewart (Miley Cyrus) on "Hannah Montana."
The “9 to 5” singer, who died Aug. 25 at age 80 after a private battle with cancer,appeared in three episodes across the show's four-season run, playing a character whose kindness, witty idioms and well-timed dating advice helped shape teenage Miley Stewart as she navigated her double life as pop star Hannah Montana.
Parton, an 11-time Grammy-winning artist, also lent her twang-laced soprano on episodes of “Hannah Montana,” harmonizing with Cyrus, her real-life goddaughter, on tracks
like “Who Said” and “True Friend.” Even episode titles like “I Will Always Loathe You,” made nods to Parton’s remarkable discography.
Beyond her vocals, Parton flaunted her glamorous style in the series, with leopard-print capris, bedazzled denim jackets and pink-feathered coats. Cyrus’ character even admitted in the first season that she modeled her Hannah Montana look after the country music star.
Her presence loomed large, bringing joy, laughter and wisdom to “Hannah Montana” and to millions of fans who watched in their living rooms. To the show’s co-creator Barry O’Brien, she made everyone feel loved on and off set and inspired many.
“Dolly Parton was an incredible gift to 'Hannah Montana,' just as she was to the world,” O’Brien tells USA TODAY in a statement. “As Aunt Dolly, Miley Stewart's godmother, she brought such genuine love and warmth to every moment in the show. Which was fitting, since she was Miley's godmother in real life as well!”
'Hannah Montana' stars remember Dolly Parton
Following Parton's death, Miley Cyrus, 33, paid tribute to her godmother, noting that their last conversation revolved around "music and metamorphosis."
"The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share," she wrote in an Instagram post, featuring a throwback image of Parton. "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."
The series also starred her dad Billy Ray Cyrus as Miley Stewart's father Robby, as well as Emily Osment and Mitchell Musso as Miley Stewart's close friends Lilly and Oliver. In a tribute post, Billy Ray Cyrus shared his love for Parton, reminiscing on her music and her TV appearances.
"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," he said in an Instagram post. "In true Dolly fashion, she just looked at me, winked and said, 'Honey, this trash sells records!'"
Beyond tabloid hysteria, he also recalled a message she recently shared about how much she loved him. "I will always love her in the same way ….. with my whole heart … and I always will," he added.
Osment, 34, shared scenes with Parton and recalls the country music star’s generosity and kindness.
"Even at 14, I knew how special it was to have the unique opportunity to work with someone so magical,” Osment tells USA TODAY in a statement. “We should all try to be a little more like Dolly."
Similar to Osment, Jason Earles, who played Miley's brother, also posted a flashback photo on social media,expressing his gratitude and appreciation for Aunt Dolly, adding, "I’ll always cherish the little time I got to spend with her."
Cody Linley, who played one of Miley Stewart’s suitors Jake, also spent screen time with Parton in Season 1, Episode 16, “Good Golly, Miss Dolly,” where Aunt Dolly and Miley Stewart go undercover in an effort to retrieve a videotape from Jake. Linley still remembers when the late star showed him how to play a 1968 classic from The Beatles.
"Dolly lit up the room every time she came on set,” Linley, 36, tells USA TODAY in a statement. “She was so generous, and I’ll never forget her teaching me how to play ‘Blackbird’ on guitar. She made you feel special, and I’ll always cherish the time I got to spend with her. I hope people remember the joy and kindness she shared with everyone around her. I love you, Dolly."
Dolly Parton was responsible for Hannah Montana 20th anniversary special
In its first season, "Hannah Montana" drew an average of more than 3 million viewers, with most aged 6 to 14, and received four Emmy nominations for the best children’s program. It also helped launch Miley Cyrus' career as a musician, producing multiple platinum-selling soundtracks and a headlining Best of Both Worlds Tour, which grossed over $54 million.
Following the show’s run from 2006 to 2011, Miley Cyrus credited the “Queen of Country” for planting the seeds for the 20th anniversary special of "Hannah Montana." She said she picked up a “terrible habit” from Parton of promoting something before it exists − and that’s exactly what Cyrus did, stirring up buzz among fans and news outlets, before its official confirmation and subsequent March 2026 release.
In the hour-long “Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary special,” Cyrus paid tribute to the country music legend, reading a letter Parton sent in celebration of the show’s 15th anniversary. The “Jolene” singer shared an 18th-century relativewith Cyrus and had a decades-long friendship with her parents Billy Ray Cyrus and Tish Cyrus-Purcell.
“I am always proud to be your Aunt Dolly, whether it's on Hannah Montana or at Thompson Station,” the note read, the latter referring to a town in Tennessee.
From helicopter rescue rides to spy stunts, Parton brought a motherly instinct to “Hannah Montana” that reminded viewers, whether you led a double life or not, to live an unapologetic lifestyle.
To Michael Poryes, a co-creator and executive producer on “Hannah Montana,” Parton approached her guest star role with sass, class and charm, even when the cameras weren’t rolling.
"I remember when we asked her if there was anything at all she needed. She said, 'Darlin’, all I need is a toilet and a closet,'" Poryes tells USA TODAY. "She simply didn’t want to be a bother. Just wow. An icon and, more than that, a lovely lady."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How Dolly Parton became the Disney darling of 'Hannah Montana'
