Miley Cyrus has shared a moving and emotional tribute to her godmother Dolly Parton, aka her "Aunt Dolly."
The country music legend and philanthropist passed away on August 25 at the age of 80, with many in the world of entertainment and beyond paying tribute to her legacy of kindness and musical genius.
© Getty ImagesMiley, 33, took to social media with a heartfelt tribute to Dolly, who shared a close friendship with her father Billy Ray Cyrus. She was also a frequent guest star on Hannah Montana, which solidified their bond for fans.
"The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share," the "Flowers" singer penned. "Our most sacred moments were private and they'll stay there behind the stage, beneath the [glamor] & between our hearts."
"What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong. I have an angel by my side. I always have," she continued, elaborating a bit on one of their final tender moments together. "One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis."
Miley continued: "I will always love her and want to make her proud. My heart breaks for the world, her family and friends who will miss her deeply. We're in this loss together and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things."
Billy Ray, who turned 65 the day Dolly passed, was among the first to pay tribute to the "Jolene" singer, writing alongside many photos of himself with Miley and Dolly: "I have so many moments and memories with Dolly, it's hard to know where to start."
© Getty Images"Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton. She was a part of our lives, on our TV's, right in our living rooms," he continued, then elaborating on the rumors in the '90s that indicated the pair were having an affair.
"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 true Dolly fashion, she just looked at me, winked and said, 'Honey, this trash sells records!'"
© Getty ImagesSharing some insight into his own private moments with the singer before her passing, he gushed: "Dolly recently sent me 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."
Dolly's passing was announced by her family, with her nephew and head of security Bryan Seaver sharing a statement delivering the news to her millions of fans.
© Getty ImagesSince then, President Donald Trump has announced that flags around the country will be lowered to half mast for a week as tribute, the Empire State Building in New York City was lit in glittering pink the night of her death at 9:25 PM, and many have donated to her charitable foundation the Imagination Library, which her family requested in lieu of flowers.
