This duet between Dolly Parton and her goddaughter Miley Cyrus hits differently now that the country legend has passed on. Many fans tuned in after hearing the news to see the pair sing Miley’s “Wrecking Ball” and Dolly’s “I Will Always Love You.” Any Dolly and Miley duet is always a special one. They didn’t disappoint here, as in addition to the fabulous vocal performances, you can really feel the special bond they share throughout the duet.
And The Music Man has to say these two icons always deliver their best performances when they have each other’s energy to bounce off! “Wrecking Ball” is always a treat live, but with Dolly’s soaring high range added to Miley’s husky vocals, it’s just heaven to listen to. Dolly really brings a powerful emotion and gravitas to her lead parts as well. It was also special to see Miley sing “I Will Always Love You,” as it’s not her typical number to sing from Dolly’s discography.
YouTuber Cover Nation uploaded the Dolly and Miley duet on August 26, 2026, the day after Dolly passed away. The duet was from Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party NBC show, which was performed and aired on December 31, 2022. Fans loved to see the duet and added comments such as “You can tell Dolly was always so proud of Miley, and loved her so much” and “What a perfect duo. They make each other shine. Such a special relationship. You can see and feel the love. It is so rare.”
Dolly and Miley shared the stage many times over the years, dating right back to the younger star’s debut era. One of their earliest collabs came when 17-year-old Miley sang with her godmother on “Jolene.” This performance was really special as the girls had so much fun up there, with plenty of banter and jokes shared between them. The Music Man has to say that watching the duets back to back also shows how much Miley has grown as a performer over the years.
Dolly Parton died at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tennessee, on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80. She was hospitalized there on August 21 and died from cancer. Dolly was buried alongside her husband of almost 60 years, Carl Thomas Dean. Carl died at 82 on March 3, 2025. The pair did not have any children, although the singer was very active in the lives of her nieces, nephews, and godchildren.