VIDEO: Miley Cyrus cries while paying tribute to late godmother Dolly Parton at Hollywood Bowl

Miley Cyrus paid an emotional tribute to her late godmother, country music icon Dolly Parton, during a performance at the Hollywood Bowl on Friday, marking the singer’s first major show in years.

Cyrus told the audience that Parton had inspired her to perform at the venue because it was where she had once watched her godmother take the stage.

“Knowing that she’s right here beside me every day, all the time, more than she could be when she was here, I feel her more than ever,” Cyrus said, becoming emotional as she recalled their bond.

“Me and Dolly, we are eternal. Nothing in this life could ever tear us apart. And I’m going to see her again, and I can’t wait because I miss her,” she added.

Cyrus later performed Parton’s classic song “Jolene,” originally released in 1974, describing her godmother as one of the great figures in music.

“Some of the greatest music that we have today was written, produced and performed by my aunt Dolly,” Cyrus told the audience.

Cyrus remembers her godmother

Parton died on August 25 following what was described as a brief battle with cancer. After her death, Cyrus shared a tribute on Instagram, describing the loss as difficult to put into words and saying their most meaningful moments would remain private.

Cyrus also recalled one of their last conversations, which focused on music and transformation, and said she believed Parton would want her to process her grief through songwriting and continue moving forward.

The Hollywood Bowl performance offered Cyrus an opportunity to honor Parton’s musical legacy and the personal bond they shared.