# Miley Cyrus on Dolly's gift: persona and authenticity

> Miley Cyrus credits her godmother Dolly Parton with teaching her how to maintain a public persona while staying true to herself.
- Title: Miley Cyrus on Dolly's gift: persona and authenticity
- Summary: Miley Cyrus credits her godmother Dolly Parton with teaching her how to maintain a public persona while staying true to herself. You can have a…
- Keywords: miley cyrus, dolly parton, godmother mentorship, persona and authenticity, apple music, zane lowe show, bass persuades, hannah montana, grammys, Miley, Cyrus, Dolly's
- Source: Billboard — https://billboard.com/music/music-news/miley-cyrus-dolly-parton-influence-zane-lowe-interview-1236342855
- Author: Alicia Urrea
- Published: 2026-09-17T22:15:49+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: miley cyrus, dolly parton, godmother mentorship, persona and authenticity, apple music, zane lowe show, bass persuades, hannah montana, grammys
## Dolly taught Miley balance
Miley Cyrus credits her godmother Dolly Parton with helping her understand that a larger-than-life public persona and her true self could coexist.
## Dolly died in August
Dolly Parton died on August 25th at age 80 following a brief battle with cancer. Cyrus said their final conversation was about music and metamorphosis.
## First to see new vinyls
Cyrus has made it a tradition to send Dolly a vinyl copy of every album she releases. She plans to send her godmother a copy of her upcoming album Bass Persuades.

> Dolly has been the first person, when I get a vinyl printed, that's the first person I send it to.
## Persona as a form of drag
Cyrus explained that her onstage persona is like drag, different from her quieter self who feeds her tortoise at home. But both versions are authentically her.

> You can have a persona and still be who you are.
## Advice on emotional performing
When Cyrus cried while performing End of the World, Dolly reminded her that music is escapism. It's okay for the audience to cry, but keep moving through the performance.
## Get back to performing
When Cyrus felt unprepared to perform at the Grammys after a difficult period, Dolly encouraged her to channel her different personas: Hannah Montana, Dolly Parton, and RuPaul.

> Get your hair teased and get a dress that you love.
## Dolly was always right
Cyrus reflected on how Dolly's guidance shaped her approach to performance and authenticity throughout her career, from Disney to rock and pop.

> Dolly was just always right about stuff.
## Key takeaway

You can have a larger-than-life stage persona and still be authentically yourself, a lesson Dolly Parton taught Miley Cyrus throughout her life.