Miley Cyrus pays tearful tribute to late godmother Dolly Parton during Hollywood Bowl

Miley Cyrus captivated audiences during the opening night of her landmark concert at the historic Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, delivering a deeply moving and tearful tribute to her late godmother, legendary country music icon Dolly Parton.

The pop superstar, visibly emotional and fighting back tears on stage, shared intimate reflections on her lifelong bond with Parton, reassuring the packed venue that their connection transcends time. In a poignant moment that resonated throughout the amphitheatre, Cyrus told the fervent crowd that nothing could ever truly separate them, declaring with conviction that "me and Dolly, we are eternal."

Reflecting on her personal history with the iconic venue, Cyrus reminisced about attending Parton's dazzling performances at the Hollywood Bowl in her youth, noting how profoundly significant it felt to finally headline the legendary space herself. Amidst an atmosphere filled with warmth and collective grief from fans, the singer performed an impassioned, soul-stirring rendition of Parton’s timeless 1973 classic "Jolene."

The performance was rendered all the more atmospheric by a towering stage backdrop featuring a glowing photograph of her beloved mentor, setting a reverent tone for the evening's celebrations of Parton's enduring legacy.

The heartfelt homage continued later in the set as Cyrus transitioned into a powerful performance of her own global chart-topping hit, "Wrecking Ball." During the song, she tenderly held up a heart-shaped frame enclosing a cherished picture of Parton, dedicating the performance entirely to the late music legend whom she described as having loved the track as one of her absolute favourites.

The deeply personal gesture provided a powerful emotional anchor for the concert, blending Cyrus's contemporary pop powerhouse status with the rich, generational heritage of country music royalty, leaving an indelible mark on everyone in attendance.