Billy Ray Cyrus shares heartfelt letter Dolly Parton gave him in 1992
By Katemarthason Okudo, September 26, 2026American country singer Billy Ray Cyrus shared a letter Dolly Parton wrote to him in 1992, calling it one of his most treasured possessions. Cyrus shared the handwritten note on Instagram on September 25, one month after Parton died on August 25.
The letter was written shortly after Cyrus and Parton first met and marked the beginning of a friendship that would last for more than three decades.
Dolly Parton’s letter to Billy Ray Cyrus
In the letter, Parton told Cyrus that she was happy to be working with him and praised the progress he was making in his music career. “Billy, I’m glad to be working with you. I’ve been looking forward to it for a few weeks now. I’m proud of what’s going on with you,” Parton wrote.
She also told the then-rising country singer that she believed he was special and wished him well in the years ahead. “I too think you are special. I wish you even more in the years to come,” she added.
Parton ended the letter with a personal touch, joking about how she had reacted when they first met. “I’m sorry I stammered and blushed when I met you, but I’m just like all the other girls these days (just a little older),” she wrote.
She also thanked Cyrus for signing photographs for her nieces and offered to return the favour if he ever needed anything. “Same goes if you need anything. Love Dolly,” Parton wrote.
How their friendship began
Cyrus and Parton first met in the early 1990s, when the singer visited Parton in her dressing room. Their friendship later grew through their work in country music. The two eventually recorded the 1993 song Romeo together.
Their professional relationship continued over the years, including television appearances and their connection through Hannah Montana, where Parton appeared as a guest star. Parton also became the godmother of Cyrus’ daughter, singer Miley Cyrus.
Cyrus remembers their friendship
Alongside the letter, Cyrus shared how much the handwritten message means to him. He displayed the note next to a handwritten letter from country music legend Johnny Cash, saying the two letters hold a special place in his collection.
“To me they go together… Brother Cash and Sister Parton. They are the hearts and minds of two of my heroes that both took the time to express their most personal and sincere thoughts to an ole Kentucky Boy,” Cyrus wrote.
He also reflected on the many memories he shared with Parton throughout their friendship. “So many memories and moments with Dolly, from network television specials to Hannah Montana,” Cyrus wrote.
Their final song together
Cyrus said his connection with Parton lasted more than 30 years, and the two worked together several times. Their last song together was Christmas Where We Are, which they recorded more than three decades after their friendship began.
Parton died on August 25 following a private battle with cancer. Cyrus ended his tribute with a short message to his longtime friend. “Shine on, Dolly,” he wrote.