Miley Cyrus Honors Her Godmother Dolly Parton at the Hollywood Bowl

Miley Cyrus paid tribute to her godmother, the country music icon Dolly Parton, on stage at the Hollywood Bowl on Friday. Variety reports that it was Cyrus's first major show in years. She explained to the crowd that she chose to perform at this place partly because she had watched her godmother sing there in the past.

Cyrus became emotional as she talked about feeling Parton around her every day, even more than when she was alive. She said sharing the story made that night worth it, and that the memory is gold to her. She said that she and Dolly are eternal and that nothing could ever tear them apart. She then sang "Jolene," the country classic that Parton first released in 1974. Cyrus added that some of the greatest music we have today was written, produced and performed by her "aunt Dolly."

Parton died on August 25 after what her family called a brief battle with cancer. The family's official statement described her life as a "rhinestone life" that shone bright enough for the world to see. It said she would stand as an inspiration for her timeless music and songwriting, and also for her wit, warmth and kindness. Her legacy, it said, is one of love, compassion and resilience. She had a career of seven decades and inspired several generations of artists and fans, with a commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will keep reaching people of all ages, the family said, and her charity work will have a lasting effect.

After Parton's death, Cyrus shared a tribute on Instagram. She wrote that the feeling of losing her Aunt Dolly was beyond what felt right to share, and that their most sacred moments were private and would stay that way. She said Dolly would want her to feel it, write a song about it, and then carry on and be strong. One of their last conversations, she wrote, was about music and metamorphosis.