Yes, Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus are distantly related as seventh cousins, once removed, sharing a common ancestor, John Brickey, from the 18th century. This discovery was made by Ancestry.com, revealing a blood connection behind their already close bond, as Parton is also Cyrus's godmother.
This week, Ancestry revealed Dolly Parton and her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus, are actually related by blood. The country icon found out the news during an interview with Access Hollywood — and she was delighted! "Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus are seventh cousins, once removed!
In 1984, Dolly Parton was told she would never be able to have a biological child. Eight years later, her close friend Billy Ray Cyrus welcomed his daughter, Miley, and made her the girl's godmother ("fairy godmother," as Dolly always specifies).
Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus are COUSINS! 🤯🤠 Parton might sometimes be referred to as “Aunt Dolly” or “Miley's fairy godmother,” but in reality, the two “Jolene” singers share a common ancestor from Tennessee - Dolly's 6th great-grandfather and Miley's 7th great-grandfather - making them seventh cousins, once removed.
Miley Cyrus' fiery godmother, Dolly Parton, is her seventh cousin, once removed.
Billy Ray and Tish Cyrus, who tied the knot in 1993, divorced in 2022 after nearly 30 years of marriage. They share three children -- Miley, Braison, and Noah -- and Billy Ray also adopted Tish's two older children, Brandi and Trace.
Parton, 78, shared the story of how she became Cyrus' godmother during an interview in 2023 on SiriusXM's “The Howard Stern Show.” Parton explained that she became close to the “Flowers” singer's father, Billy Ray Cyrus, when he toured with her while promoting his 1992 single, “Achy Breaky Heart.”
"I'm her honorary godmother. I've known her since she was a baby,” Parton told Good Morning America in 2009. “Her father's a friend of mine, and when she was born, he said, 'You just have to be her godmother,' and I said, 'I accept. ' We never did do a big ceremony, but I'm so proud of her, love her.
Miley Cyrus is distant cousins with both Dolly Parton and the late Michael Jackson, according to Genealogy, a family history website.
Her parents nicknamed her "Smiley", which they later shortened to "Miley", because she often smiled as an infant. In 2008, she legally changed her name to Miley Ray Cyrus; her middle name honors her grandfather, Democratic politician Ronald Ray Cyrus, who was from Kentucky.
Dolly Parton fans are breathing sighs of relief after hearing that the health problem her sister was praying about is definitely uncomfortable - but not uncommon. Parton is suffering from kidney stones, according to a report in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
In the Walters interview, Parton added that she and her husband were “flirts” but were faithful "best I know how." "I just love people there and ... being a woman away from home, there are these good looking guys that come on to you pretty strong.
Miley Cyrus's birth name is Destiny Hope Cyrus, but she legally changed it to Miley Ray Cyrus in 2008, stemming from her childhood nickname "Smiley," which was shortened to Miley because she smiled so often. Her parents gave her the name Destiny Hope, believing she would achieve greatness.
“I appreciate and admire all the girls,” Parton says. Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton in L.A. in 2019. Adds Parton: "Just like Miley [Cyrus], my goddaughter, I love her. She's always trying new things.
All About Miley Cyrus's Famous Family, From Dad Billy Ray and Mom Tish to Her 5 Siblings. The “Flowers” singer comes from a talented family. Miley Cyrus is the daughter of country singer Billy Ray Cyrus and manager-producer Tish Cyrus.
Miley Cyrus has publicly shared she lives with Reinke's edema, a vocal cord disorder causing swelling, hoarseness, and a deeper, raspy voice, which she embraces as part of her unique sound but makes touring difficult. While she's mentioned this and past health struggles like ovarian cysts, rumors of severe diagnoses (like cancer) circulating online (e.g., in posts from late 2025) are unverified and likely false, as recent reports focus on her vocal condition.
Michael Jackson's biggest and most enduring crush was Diana Ross, a feeling that began in his childhood and lasted his entire life, with him admiring her as a mentor, friend, and potential lover, even writing the song "Dirty Diana" about her. He saw her as his "mamma," a maternal figure, and his first significant romantic interest, despite the 14-year age gap.
Keisha Jackson is an American R&B singer, and is the daughter of R&B & soul singer-songwriter Millie Jackson.
Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus are COUSINS! 🤯🤠 Parton might sometimes be referred to as “Aunt Dolly” or “Miley's fairy godmother,” but in reality, the two “Jolene” singers share a common ancestor from Tennessee - Dolly's 6th great-grandfather and Miley's 7th great-grandfather - making them seventh cousins, once removed.
Blues. Cyrus' fondness of Elvis traces back to multiple generations in her family. Cyrus once told Billy Idol that her grandmother was a massive Elvis fan, and had a collection of of Polaroids from standing in line for three days to see him concert back in the '60s.
Parton, a close pal of Cyrus' father, country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, first shared in 2009 that she was the young Cyrus' godmother.
Through numerous accounts generated solely to promote Shaboozey, a PushPlay subsidiary called WtrCoolr pushed the idea that Dolly Parton was Shaboozey's godmother, fully knowing it was a lie. It was also a lie that many people on Tik-Tok fell for.
She's been happily married to the same man for over 50 years—an extraordinary feat, especially in the spotlight and without having any children.
Dolly Parton, also known as “Aunt Dolly” to Hannah Montana fans, has revealed she shares ancestry with Miley Cyrus. The singers have a common relative born in the 18th century, making Parton the relative's sixth great granddaughter and Cyrus the seventh great granddaughter.