Miley Cyrus Pays Tearful Tribute to Dolly Parton at Hollywood Bowl Comeback
Cyrus took the stage Friday for the first time in nearly four years and sang "Jolene" to honor her late godmother, who died in August.
Miley Cyrus cried onstage at the Hollywood Bowl on Friday night. She was paying tribute to her godmother, Dolly Parton. “Me and Dolly, we are eternal. Nothing in this life could ever tear us apart,” she told the crowd.
Then she sang “Jolene,” one of Parton’s most famous songs. A large image of her godmother filled the screen behind her.
It was Cyrus’s first concert in nearly four years. She played 18 songs, opening with “Orbit” and closing with “Flowers.” The set included the first live performances of songs from her tenth studio album, “Bass Persuades,” released in September.
Friday was the first of two sold-out nights at the Bowl. The second show followed on Sunday. Cyrus stepped back from touring a few years ago and has said she needed time for her mental health. About 18,000 people filled the venue Friday, and nearly 1.5 million fans entered the presale queue for the two shows.
Before “Jolene,” Cyrus shared a memory. She said the only time she had ever seen Parton perform live was at the Hollywood Bowl. She asked to watch from the crowd like an ordinary fan. Parton agreed, then opened her show with “The Best of Both Worlds,” the theme song from Cyrus’s old show “Hannah Montana.” She told the audience her goddaughter was sitting among them.
“This memory is gold to me,” Cyrus said Friday. She told the crowd she feels Parton’s presence now more than ever.
Later, during “Wrecking Ball,” Cyrus held a photo of Parton in a heart-shaped frame. She said the song was Parton’s favorite of hers.
Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips joined Cyrus for “Do You Realize??” and “Karen Don’t Be Sad.” Model/Actriz performed “Different Religion” with her. Selena Gomez and Christina Aguilera were in the audience, Page Six reported.
Parton died Aug. 25 at 80 after a brief battle with cancer, her family said. Days later Cyrus posted an Instagram tribute recalling one of their last conversations, “about music and metamorphosis.”
At Sunday’s second show, Cyrus addressed online criticism of Friday’s performance, according to Rolling Stone. “I can take a lot, but one thing I will not stand is any question about where my heart is when I’m on the stage,” she said. “I’ve never heard that I don’t put my heart into something.”
