Noah Cyrus reflects on sister Miley's 'beautiful' bond with Dolly Parton

Miley Cyrus’ younger sister Noah Cyrus is paying tribute to country legend and close family friend, Dolly Parton.

The 26-year-old singer and actress took to Instagram to pay tribute to the Queen of Country on Thursday, August 27 — two days after Dolly’s death from cancer — noting she was waiting for Miley to speak out first.

“Dolly was singular, one of a kind, dolly was a rainbow to our world for nearly six decades, and no one could ever come nor will ever come close to replacing her,” Noah wrote, crediting Dolly for inspiring her as an artist.

“She never forgot where she came from, and she never stopped being her true self,” she continued. “She made it her duty to help others, not only through her music, but through her kindness and her commitment to helping those in need.”

Noah then reflected on Dolly’s “beautiful relationship” with her family, including dad Billy Ray Cyrus and sister Miley Cyrus, whose godmother was Dolly.

“Her beautiful relationship with my family, especially my sister, is one i will be grateful for my entire life,” she emphasised. 

Noah said she was “heartbroken,” but noted Dolly is only gone “physically” and will “live in our hearts” through her music.

“Her music will continue to be a friend when lonely, and to celebrate with happiness. it will inspire and encourage young songwriters that will discover and learn from the Great Dolly Parton,” the tribute concluded.

A day earlier, Miley paid tribute to her “Aunt Dolly,” noting that their “most scared moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & 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,” Miley continued, revealing that one of their last conversations was about “music and metamorphosis.”

“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,” the Grammy-winner added.