Billy Ray Cyrus has become a lasting celebrity figure for a lot of reasons, and it’s unfair to reduce his success down to one finite point. However, he seemingly wouldn’t have gotten the shot at such a successful career if his 1992 single, “Achy Breaky Heart”, had not become a smash hit. This hit, of course, led to a lot of financial gain and career opportunities. However, it also unexpectedly led to a new family member.
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One of the big opportunities that came with the success of “Achy Breaky Heart” was the tour Cyrus went on with Dolly Parton. Shortly after the release of the single, Parton and Cyrus embarked on their tour. Consequently, a relationship was formed, and as a result of that relationship, Dolly Parton became a non-blood related member of the Cyrus family, as Parton became Miley Cyrus‘ godmother after her birth in November of 1992.
From Friends to Family: Billy Ray Cyrus Popped the “Godmother” Question While on Tour
In an interview on the Howard Stern Show, Parton roughly recalled how Cyrus came to ask her. She told Stern, “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.”
“And he said, ‘You know we’re having a girl, and you got to be her godmother. I said, ‘Well, I’d be honored,’” added Parton. Concerning her love for Miley, Parton stated, “She’s very successful. Miley is very smart. She’s very intuitive about the business, and I just think Miley is a spectacular human being.”
Per her comments, it seems Billy Ray Cyrus’ decision to have Parton be Miley’s godmother was a simple one.
Dolly Parton’s relationship with her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus, has always existed in the limelight. Notably, Parton and Miley dueted on the single “Wrecking Ball” for Parton’s 2023 album Rockstar.
In addition to that collaboration, Parton and Cyrus have also collaborated on the singles “Christmas Is” and “Rainbow Land”. Also, for you Disney kids, who remembers Dolly Parton’s three appearances on Hannah Montana as Aunt Dolly?
All things aside, it is odd to think how Cyrus’ hit song led to a familial relationship with Dolly Parton. At the time, that was surely not on Billy Ray Cyrus’ bingo card. Though the best things in life rarely are, especially when you’re life entails a crazy turn of success such as Billy Ray Cyrus’.
Photo by Ebet Roberts/Redferns
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