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Dolly Parton defends Miley Cyrus again: 'She's a smart girl'

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Miley Cyrus might have her critics, but she has one very loyal and outspoken supporter in her godmother Dolly Parton. Like Miley, Dolly started out as a child performer – and faced her fair share of negative press while growing up in the spotlight. More than most then, she understands what the pop star is facing. 

Dolly Parton© Photo: Getty Images

Dolly Parton is defending her goddaughter Miley Cyrus

"Yeah, well I do, 'cause back in the day, doing my own things my own way, and dressing sexy and showing my cleavage and all that, I got a lot of criticism," the 68-year-old told The Sunday Times. "Lots of people thought I was making a mistake and that I was just trashy, which I was. "So I did go through that, but I don't give her advice. Everyone has to walk this journey according to their own rules. That's what she's doing. And I lurve her!"

Miley Cyrus© Photo: Getty Images

Miley Cyrus on stage in Sweden during her 2014 bangerz tour

Dolly added, "I've known her daddy (Billy Ray Cyrus) the many years he's been in the business. I've watched her grow up. "She's a smart girl. She had to go to extremes to get her point across. I think she got the point across."

It is not the first time that Dolly has defended the 21-year-old.

Dolly Parton© Photo: Getty Images

Miley Cyrus as Hannah Montana with her godmother Dolly Parton

Shortly after Miley’s provocative performance with Robin Thicke at the VMAs, the country star told the Evening Standard she was "just trying to find her own place and wings and learn to fly". "It's not easy being young," she said. "It's hard to know what to do. You've almost got to sacrifice your damn soul just to get anything done."