Country music icon Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80 following a “brief battle” with cancer. During her lifetime, Parton shared a special bond with pop star Miley Cyrus that extended far beyond music. She was Cyrus’ godmother, mentor and close family friend, with their connection beginning in the early 1990s through Miley’s father, country singer Billy Ray Cyrus. Parton and Billy Ray became friends around the time he rose to fame with Achy Breaky Heart, and he later appeared in Parton’s 1993 music video for Romeo. Their close friendship eventually led Billy Ray to ask Parton to become Miley’s godmother. She accepted and remained an important figure in Miley’s life from childhood onward.
