Billy Ray Cyrus recalls Dolly Parton’s surprising reaction to their affair rumors in heartbreaking tribute

Billy Ray Cyrus reflected on Dolly Parton’s reaction to rumors they were having an affair over three decades ago.

“In 1992, I’ll never forget walking into her dressing room to apologize for all the tabloid stories which claimed I was having an affair with her,” Billy Ray wrote in his Instagram tribute to the “Jolene” singer after she died Tuesday at age 80.

He added, “In true Dolly fashion, she just looked at me, winked and said, ‘Honey, this trash sells records!’”

Billy Ray Cyrus (seen above with Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus in 2019) posted a tribute to Parton after her death at age 80 on Tuesday. Getty Images for NARAS
Billy Ray (seen here with Miley, Parton and Kenny Rogers in 2010) recalled Parton’s reaction to their affair rumors in 1992. ©Hallmark Entertainment/Courtesy Everett Collection
Billy Ray said Parton “looked at me, winked and said, ‘Honey, this trash sells records!’” billyraycyrus/instagram

Billy Ray, who turned 65 on the day of Parton’s death, became close with the country music legend when they toured together in 1992, the same year he asked Parton to be his daughter Miley Cyrus’ godmother.

In his tribute, the “Achy Breaky Heart” singer said that as a “little boy,” he “grew up loving Dolly Parton.”

“She was a part of our lives, on our TV’s, right in our living rooms,” he wrote.

Billy Ray turned 65 on the day of Parton’s death (Billy Ray and Parton are seen above in “Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas”). Katherine Bomboy/NBC via Getty Images
The pair (seen here) became close when they toured together in 1992. billyraycyrus/instagram

Billy Ray also said that before Parton died, she sent him “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,” he concluded.

Billy Ray’s post included pictures of the pair with Miley, who has not yet spoken out about Parton’s death.

During a 2009 “Good Morning America” interview, Parton looked back on the moment Billy Ray asked her to be Miley’s godmother.

“I’ve known her since she was a baby,” Parton said of the “Flowers” singer, now 33. “Her father’s a friend of mine. And when she was born, he said, ‘You just have to be her godmother,’ and I said, ‘I accept.’”

Parton also appeared on a few episodes of “Hannah Montana.” Disney Channel/Courtesy Everett Collection
Parton famously had a close bond with Miley, who was her goddaughter (Parton and Miley are seen here during “Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party” in 2022). Vijat Mohindra/NBC via Getty Images

The latest news on music icon Dolly Parton’s death at 80


Parton added, “We never did do a big ceremony, but I’m so proud of her, love her and she’s just like one of my own.”

The “9 to 5” singer also spoke about how Billy Ray became her “good friend” on “The Howard Stern Show” in 2023.

“When Billy had the big song, ‘Achy Breaky Heart,’ well, we toured together. I was on tour and then Billy toured with me and so that’s how we just got to be good friends, because he’s a Kentucky boy, I’m from Tennessee,” Parton shared.

Miley and Parton (seen here) performed together multiple times over the years. Vijat Mohindra/NBC via Getty Images
Miley (pictured here with Parton at the 2019 Grammys) has not yet spoken out about her godmother’s death. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Parton passed away after a brief battle with cancer, her reps confirmed to Page Six on Tuesday.

“Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones,” the statement read.

Parton’s team also confirmed her funeral will consist of “a small, private service for immediate family” that is expected to take place in Nashville.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *