Dolly Parton solidified herself as the queen of country music years ago. She’s inspired droves of women to pursue their dreams and head to Nashville to be a star. Dolly also made many friends in the music business, including Billy Ray Cyrus. He thought so much of her when his daughter, Miley, was born, that he made a special request. Believe it or not, Dolly Parton is Miley Cyrus’ godmother, but it gets better. The pair are related.
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It’s A Distant Connection
During an interview with Access Hollywood, Dolly and her sister, Rachel, learned Ancestry discovered the connection between the Patron and Cyrus families. They are actually seventh cousins, once removed, connected by John Brickey of Virginia. John is Dolly’s sixth great-grandfather and Miley’s seventh great-grandfather. It’s a mouthful, but it’s exciting.
“Is that true? That’s amazing!” Dolly asked. “I’m sure she’ll get a kick out of that, but it doesn’t surprise me because she does feel like family.”
Dolly has known Miley since she was a baby, and they have always shared a special bond. They have even covered each other’s songs. Dolly sings a mean Wrecking Ball and Miley’s Jolene is incredible.
Miley loves having Dolly in her life and recently shared her appreciation for her godmother with W Magazine.
“Dolly’s been like a mother to me,” Miley said, “I was just reading this fax that she sent me two Mother’s Days ago. Dolly wrote to me to say: ‘How much do I love you? As much as my heart can hold and as far as my arms can reach.’ It gets me choked up. I just love her so much. Last Christmas, she gave me a whole mannequin, done in her proportions and wearing her outfit. It’s so major.”
This story’s featured image is by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy.
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