Dolly Parton's Empowering Advice to Miley Cyrus: "You Do You, and I'll Do Me"

In the wake of Dolly Parton's death at the age of 80, a touching piece of advice she gave her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus, has resurfaced. Cyrus, 33, opened up in a 2024 episode of My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman about the wisdom Parton had imparted upon her during a time in her career when she hesitated.

"I think the thing that I could tell you about Dolly without sharing that sacred part of our relationship with everyone is she isn't afraid to have the tough conversations," the "Flowers" singer said at the time.

An example of one such conversation was when Cyrus told Parton that she wasn't sure whether she intended to perform at the 2024 Grammy Awards, where she eventually took home her first-ever gold gramophone statue after earning five nominations that year.

The Advice That Changed Everything

"She said, 'Well, of course you're gonna do the Grammys. And you're not just gonna show up, but you're gonna show off. And you are gonna be everything that you are sitting right here in front of me,'" Cyrus recalled. "And she said, 'Don't forget about the beauty. The hair, the makeup, the whole show. It's armor for us.'"

Cyrus also shared the mantra Parton regularly said to her and how it empowered her. "She has a good way of saying it, she's always said this to me, 'You do you, and I'll do me, and together we'll be us,'" she said. "So she wasn't telling me to be Dolly. She wasn't telling me to be fabulous, hide behind the sparkles and the hair. She was telling me to be me."

A Legacy of Encouragement

That advice is just one example of the countless ways Parton supported and encouraged her goddaughter over the years. From the early days of Cyrus's career on Hannah Montana to her evolution as a Grammy-winning artist, Parton was a constant presence, offering guidance and wisdom. She believed in Cyrus's talent and her ability to navigate the often challenging world of fame.

Parton's advice about using beauty and style as "armor" reflects her own philosophy. Known for her larger-than-life persona, elaborate wigs, and dazzling outfits, Parton understood the power of presentation. She used her appearance as a shield and a statement, and she encouraged Cyrus to do the same.

Miley Cyrus's Tribute

On Wednesday, August 26, Cyrus paid tribute to her godmother by recalling one of the last conversations they had before the "I Will Always Love You" singer died in an emotional Instagram post. "The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share," Cyrus began. "Our most sacred moments were private, and they'll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts."

She added: "What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong. I have an angel by my side. I always have. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis." Cyrus said that she "will always love her and want to make her proud." She concluded by writing, "My heart breaks for the world, her family, and friends who will miss her deeply. We're in this loss together, and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things."

Billy Ray Cyrus's Tribute

After the news of her death broke, Miley's father, Billy Ray Cyrus, also took to Instagram to honor the country legend. "I have so many moments and memories with Dolly, it's hard to know where to start," Billy Ray wrote. "Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton. She was a part of our lives, on our TV's, right in our living rooms."

He continued, "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."

The World Mourns

Tributes have poured out around the world for the "Jolene" singer as her Dollywood theme park remained open on Wednesday in honor of her legacy. Fans and celebrities alike have shared their memories and gratitude for Parton's music, philanthropy, and unwavering spirit.

Parton died on August 25 after a brief battle with cancer, her family shared with PEOPLE. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, shared the news of her death in an emotional Instagram video. "My family and I have shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly, but so have you," Seaver shared. "She has always been on your television, your record player, your CD, and on your phone playlist, becoming an extended part of your family whether you liked it or not."

Parton's impact on music, culture, and the lives of those who knew her personally is immeasurable. Her advice to Miley Cyrus to be herself, to embrace her individuality, and to use her gifts without apology is a legacy that will continue to inspire generations. As Cyrus wrote in her tribute, "We will see her in all of the most beautiful things."

Her family, friends, and fans will continue to honor her memory, carrying forward the lessons of love, resilience, and authenticity she embodied. Dolly Parton may be gone, but her voice, her spirit, and her message will live on forever.