Country singer Billy Ray Cyrus has marked one month since the death of Dolly Parton by reflecting on his close friendship with the late superstar and revealing he now refers to life after her passing as “A.D.,” meaning “After Dolly.” Parton died at the age of 80 on August 25 following a brief battle with cancer. Speaking to People, Cyrus shared how the milestone has shifted his perspective on time and memory.
Billy Ray Cyrus Marks One Month Since Dolly Parton’s Death
Friday marked exactly one month since Parton’s passing, prompting tributes from across the entertainment world. Cyrus, best known for his 1992 hit “Achy Breaky Heart,” told People that the date 25 carries a completely different meaning for him now. “I call it A.D. After Dolly. We’re adjusting to a world without Dolly, and her light still shines. That’s the beauty of it.”
Parton holds a close personal connection to the Cyrus family as the godmother of Billy Ray’s daughter, singer Miley Cyrus. Reflecting on her extraordinary cultural impact, Cyrus offered a striking description of the country music icon, calling her “like Mother Theresa meets Elvis Presley meets Marilyn Monroe” and describing her as “a star of a magnitude beyond this planet.” He added that Parton treated everyone she met with love and grace.
Sharing a Prized Possession From 1992
To commemorate the anniversary of her passing, Cyrus shared what he considers one of his most prized possessions: a handwritten letter given to him by Parton shortly after they first met in 1992. In the note, Parton expressed her excitement about working with the singer and stated that she was proud of him. Their professional and personal relationship spanned decades, rooted in the shared world of country music.
Parton’s death on August 25 brought an outpouring of grief from major figures across the music industry, including Elton John, Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé. Over a career spanning more than 60 years, Parton sold over 100 million records worldwide and wrote more than 3,000 songs, including timeless classics like “Jolene,” “9 To 5,” “I Will Always Love You,” “Coat Of Many Colours,” and “Joshua.”
Legacy in Music and Philanthropy
Beyond her monumental musical output, Parton built a vast business empire that included Dollywood, a theme park aptly named Dollywood, and a dedicated philanthropist. In 1995, she founded the Imagination Library in honor of her father, who could not read or write. The program mails a free, high-quality book each month to children from birth to age five.
To honor her humanitarian efforts, an annual charity fundraising event titled Give Like Dolly Day was launched on 25 September. The initiative encourages fans and supporters worldwide to continue her mission of promoting literacy and supporting children’s programs.