BILLY Ray Cyrus has paid tribute to singer Dolly Parton, after she died at the age of 80.
The country singer said he had grown up listening to Parton's music, becoming friends with her after his own rise to fame.
After her death, which was announced on Tuesday, August 25, Cyrus joined the long line of celebs taking to social media to pay tribute to the 'Jolene' singer.
He shared a memory from 1992, in which he apologised to Parton after tabloid newspapers alleged that the pair were in a relationship.
Cyrus also shared that the singer, songwriter and philanthropist had recently sent him a "beautiful message", expressing her love for him.
READ MORE: World pays tribute to 'north star' Dolly Parton after death
'A beautiful message'
"I have so many moments and memories with Dolly, it’s hard to know where to start," he said.
"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.
"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!'
"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."
READ MORE: Billy Ray Cyrus tells Liz Hurley love story on Masked Singer
In addition to their friendship, Parton also had a close relationship with Cyrus' daughter, pop singer Miley Cyrus, acting as her godmother.
Cyrus currently splits his time between his home in Tennessee and his partner Elizabeth Hurley's Grade II-listed mansion Donnington Hall near Ledbury.
The pair confirmed their relationship in April 2025 and in July, Cyrus was spotted at The Oak Inn in Staplow.
Share