Twenty years ago, Miley Cyrus stepped into the role of Miley Ray Stewart, a regular girl living a double life as the famous Hannah Montana. The Hannah Montana quickly became a huge hit, mixing everyday teenage life with fun, catchy songs. It didn’t take long for Miley to become known all over the world.
One of the most memorable parts of the show was the guest appearances by country legend Dolly Parton. She played “Aunt Dolly” three times between 2006 and 2010, and fans always loved seeing her on screen.
It was a perfect match, since Dolly is actually Miley’s godmother in real life.
To celebrate the milestone, the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special premiered on Disney+ on Tuesday (March 24). In the special, Miley looks back on her time on the show and talks about what it meant to her and to fans everywhere.
Miley Cyrus Credits Dolly Parton For The Hannah Montana Anniversary Special
In a recent interview with Variety, Miley shared that the anniversary special might not have happened if she hadn’t followed advice from her godmother.
“I learned this terrible habit — but I actually think it was good advice — from Dolly. She told me that if you want something to happen, promote it before it exists. Then no one can say ‘no.’ So I just started promoting a ‘Hannah Montana’ 20th-anniversary special that literally did not exist.”
Over the years, Dolly has been more than just family—she’s been a mentor and a strong support system for Miley. Their connection goes back to Miley’s childhood, through Dolly’s close friendship with her father, Billy Ray Cyrus.
“Dolly is not only my idol because of her incomparable career—she’s also my role model because of her steadfast morals and values,” Cyrus shared in 2021. “At her core, she is the definition of a humanitarian. She’s also the world’s most impeccably purposeful walking contradiction, having developed her iconic look after being inspired by the town tramp. Now she’s known as a saintly, even godlike, figure. …There’s a theory that you shouldn’t meet your heroes, but I wish everyone had the chance to meet Dolly Parton, because she’s even better than your sparkliest dreams. She may be my fairy godmother, but I think she’s that to everyone else too. I am happy to share her with the world.”
Dolly Reflects On Her Role In Hannah Montana
On Tuesday (March 24), Dolly shared a post on her social media to celebrate the special occasion. She posted a clip from the show and wrote:
“Reminiscing on my time as Aunt Dolly. When Hannah Montana came on the air and [Miley Cyrus], my little goddaughter, was the star of it, I was so proud of her. I thought she was sensational.”
In the scene, Miley turns to her godmother and on-screen Aunt Dolly for advice.
“Darlin’, I am so sorry,” Dolly says. “I just forget sometimes. Being a teenage girl is harder than walking through a balloon shop with a porcupine purse.”
You can watch Dolly in her guest role on Hannah Montana below.
