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💡 TLDR
Miley Cyrus basically learned how to balance her wild stage persona with her real self thanks to Dolly Parton. Even though Dolly preached staying professional and avoiding tears on stage, she loved Miley for being her raw, emotional self.
Miley Cyrus is officially in her feelings, and honestly, we are right there with her. Following the passing of country legend Dolly Parton on August 25 at age 80, Miley has been opening up about the deep connection she shared with her godmother. Speaking with Zane Lowe on Apple Music on September 17, the “Flowers” singer got real about how their differences actually made them the ultimate duo.
The Truth Behind The Persona
While everyone knows Dolly for the big hair and the glamorous makeup, Miley sees something much deeper beneath the surface. She noted that while people gravitate toward the spectacle, it’s Dolly’s authenticity that truly matters. This hit home for Miley, who spent so much of her life navigating the line between her private self and her public image. Having starred in Hannah Montana, she understands better than anyone what it feels like to live through a persona. A way that I could look at that as, ‘you can have a persona and still be who you are,’ is because I had Dolly. Miley even joked that she sometimes calls her own stage presence drag because the person performing is so different from the version of her that feeds her tortoise every morning.
💫 A way that I could look at that as, ‘you can have a persona and still be who you are,’ is because I had Dolly.
Lessons In Professionalism And Emotion
Even though they were kindred spirits, the two definitely clashed when it came to being emotional on stage. Miley admitted that she is a total crier during performances—a trait she showed clearly when she got emotional singing “End of the World” on David Letterman’s Netflix series, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction. When Dolly saw those tears, she didn’t quite get it at first. She reportedly asked Miley why she was crying, leading to a heartfelt explanation about the song being about the world ending and never seeing her mom again.
Dolly’s advice was strictly business: she told Miley that since music is meant to be escapism, she needed to stay professional and just get through the set. While Miley insisted that being emotional is simply part of who she is, she says Dolly loved her for that exact reason. It sounds like their relationship was the perfect mix of tough love and total acceptance.
Do you think it’s better for artists to keep things strictly professional on stage, or do you love seeing them show raw emotion?
❓ People Also Ask
What was the relationship between Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton?
Dolly Parton served as Miley Cyrus's godmother and a significant source of personal guidance. Miley viewed their bond as a way to navigate the complex line between her public persona and her authentic self. While they were kindred spirits, they often held different views on performing, such as how to handle emotions during a set. Despite these differences, Miley credits Dolly with teaching her that it is possible to maintain a stage persona while remaining true to who you are.
How did Dolly Parton advise Miley Cyrus to handle emotions during performances?
Dolly Parton advised Miley Cyrus to maintain strict professionalism and focus on finishing her set when she became emotional on stage. Dolly believed that music should function as a form of escapism for the audience rather than a display of raw emotion. When Miley cried during a performance, Dolly questioned the outburst and suggested staying focused on the business of the show. However, Miley ultimately embraced her emotional nature, and Dolly eventually grew to love her for that specific authenticity.
Why does Miley Cyrus compare her stage presence to drag?
Miley Cyrus compares her stage presence to drag because she views her performing self as a distinct character that is different from her private identity. She uses this comparison to highlight the massive gap between her glamorous public image and her quiet personal life, such as feeding her tortoise in the morning. Having grown up in the spotlight through Hannah Montana, Miley uses this distinction to explain how an artist can maintain a persona without losing their true, authentic self.
What did Miley Cyrus learn from Dolly Parton about authenticity?
Miley Cyrus learned that an artist can maintain a glamorous public persona while still remaining a deeply authentic person. While many people focus on Dolly Parton's big hair and spectacular makeup, Miley recognized that Dolly's true strength came from her underlying sincerity. This lesson helped Miley navigate her own struggles with fame and the pressure of living through a character. By observing Dolly, Miley realized that a spectacle does not have to come at the expense of one's real identity.
💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 👇
📰 Source: E! News