The death of Dolly Parton has left a huge void in the music world and, especially, in the life of Miley Cyrus. The singer, who always referred to the country legend as her 'Aunt Dolly,' has broken her silence with a message filled with emotion and personal memories. But this wasn't her only move: in the midst of her grief, the performer took the opportunity to announce a radical change in her career, making it clear that her godmother continues to be a constant source of inspiration.
Cyrus's farewell to Parton comes just a day after the Tennessee artist's death at age 80 was confirmed, following a brief battle with cancer. The relationship between the two transcended the professional: Parton had been Miley's godmother since 1992, when her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, asked her to be one after forging a friendship that began on a joint tour in the early 90s. That connection remained strong for decades, with Parton appearing on 'Hannah Montana' and sharing live performances that are etched in the memories of their fans.
A tribute that transcends the public sphere
On her Instagram account, Miley Cyrus shared a black and white portrait of Dolly Parton alongside a caption in which she confessed that the pain of losing her godmother is indescribable . “Our most sacred moments were private and there they will remain: behind the scenes, beyond the glamour, and deep in our hearts,” the artist wrote, making it clear that their bond went far beyond the spotlight.
The "Flowers" singer also revealed that one of her last conversations with Parton revolved around music and metamorphosis, two concepts that now take on a special meaning. "What I do know is that Dolly would want me to experience this feeling, to write a song about it, and then to move forward with strength. I have an angel by my side. I always have," added Cyrus, who closed her message with a promise: "I will always love her and I want her to be proud of me."
Billy Ray Cyrus also wanted to remember his dear friend. The singer shared some personal anecdotes, such as the time he had to apologize for rumors of a supposed romantic relationship between them. “Like a true Dolly, she looked at me, winked, and said, 'Honey, this garbage sells records!'” recounted Miley's father, who described her as someone who “was a part of our lives, on our TVs, in our living rooms.”
The 'Bass Persuades' ad
In the midst of this delicate situation, Miley Cyrus has decided to step forward and present her tenth studio album, 'Bass Persuades ,' which will arrive on streaming platforms on September 18. The project was announced unexpectedly on the same day as Parton's passing, although the artist waited a few days to share all the details. “Music takes us by the hand. We feel it, we sing it, sometimes we dance to it, we let it out and move on. It's powerful, vulnerable, sweet, and strong. Full heart, heartache, every part of life in between. That's what the title means to me,” Cyrus explained in the statement accompanying the announcement.
The album, which comes just a year after 'Something Beautiful', will feature ten songs that, according to the artist herself, aim to tell "a love story" in a broad sense, including self-love and the search for peace. Among the collaborators are the group Model/Actriz, who appear on the track 'Different Religion', and producer Andrew Wyatt, known for his work with Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, who features on 'Neon Signs'. The participation of her fiancé, musician Maxx Morando, on several of the songs has also been confirmed.
A change of name and stage
The release of 'Bass Persuades' has been accompanied by a move that hasn't gone unnoticed: Miley Cyrus has started signing simply as 'Miley ,' leaving her last name behind on social media and promotional material. The artist has changed her username to @miley and shared an image with a red filter that only displays the word "MILEY," an aesthetic that coincides with the red and black billboards that have appeared in Los Angeles with the message "coming soon."
This change has generated all sorts of speculation, especially given the complicated relationship the singer has had with her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, in recent years. However, sources close to the artist assure that the decision stems from a need to "consolidate her own artistic identity" and not from a family rift. In fact, in early 2026, father and daughter had an emotional reconciliation during the 20th anniversary special of 'Hannah Montana,' which rules out any negative interpretation of the name change.
The new project also marks a turning point in her recording career: 'Bass Persuades' will be Miley's first album under the Atlantic Records label, after more than a decade working with Sony Music. The artist had already hinted in an interview that this album would be "a love story," and the short preview she shared on Instagram, with its industrial rock sound that gradually veers towards pop, suggests a more experimental and personal approach.
Two nights at the Hollywood Bowl
To present 'Bass Persuades' live, Miley Cyrus has chosen a very special venue: the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, where she will perform two concerts on October 16th and 18th. “It’s been a long time. The Hollywood Bowl is my favorite place to enjoy music and see my favorite artists. I’ve sat there many times, but I’ve never been on stage. Los Angeles is my heart, and I’m taking it home with me. See you there,” said the artist, who will be accompanied by a special guest: the group Model/Actriz.
The news has been met with enthusiasm by her fans, who had sensed for weeks that something big was in the works. Clues began to appear shortly before Dolly Parton's death, with posters sent with copies of the Los Angeles Times and social media posts featuring a distinct red and black aesthetic. Now, with the official announcement, the anticipation has only grown.
Finally, Dolly Parton's legacy remains very much present throughout this process. The singer, who passed away at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville surrounded by her loved ones, left an indelible mark on music and philanthropy, funding one of the first COVID-19 vaccines and investing millions in childhood literacy. Miley Cyrus, who always considered her a guardian angel, seems determined to honor her memory with a new chapter filled with music, transformation, and strength. As she herself has said, "We will see her reflected in all the most beautiful things."