Miley Cyrus' August 25th theory explained as godmother Dolly Parton passes away on most 'important' date
The 25th August theory involving Miley Cyrus has resurfaced in the wake of Dolly Parton's death – but what does it mean?
It was revealed that Parton had passed away on Tuesday, after a short battle with cancer, with news of her death confirmed in a video tribute by her nephew and head of security Bryan Seaver.
Tributes have since poured in from across the entertainment world for the Queen of Country, including one from her goddaughter, Cyrus, who said her grief at Parton's death was 'beyond what feels right to share'.
What is the theory about 25th August and Dolly Parton?
Throughout her career, Cyrus has long been linked with the date 25 August, both in a professional and personal level.
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The connection starts with the former Disney star's father, Billy Ray Cyrus, who was born on 25 August 1961.
In 2013, Cyrus released the track 'Wrecking Ball', a song which proved to be a pivotal moment in her career.
The song would go on to become her first number one hit on the US Billboard Charts, helping the then 20-year-old step out of her Disney Channel and Hannah Montana image and establish herself as a pop singer. The song's accompanying video, which featured Cyrus sporting a platinum-blonde pixie cut and swinging on a wrecking ball, also helped propel the track into the stratosphere.
25 August, 2013 would also be the date of one of Cyrus' biggest controversies, when she performed at the VMAs alongside Robin Thicke and danced provocatively onstage.
Reflecting on the performance in a 2018 interview with Wonderland magazine, Cyrus said the moment was crucial for allowing her to move forward in her career.
"Not only was culture changed, but my life and career were changed forever," she said, adding that the increased attention inspired her to use her fame and platform for 'something much bigger', which included advocating for homeless teenagers in the US.
Fast forward to 2023, and Cyrus released her song 'Used To Be Young' on the same date, later revealing that she'd selected the date on purpose.
"I decided to release Used To Be Young on August 25 because this particular date historically has been important to me personally and in my career," she explained during an interview with ABC for her album Endless Summer Vacation.
The song, which had been penned two years before its release, reflected upon her younger years.
'It was at a time I felt misunderstood. I have spent the last 18 months painting a sonic picture of my perspective to share with you,' she said on Instagram of the song.
Outside of her career, the date also cropped up in her romantic life.
On 25 August 2019, Liam Hemsworth filed for divorce from the singer, citing irreconcilable differences. The separation was the end of a long on-off relationship between the former couple, who first started dating in 2009 and would go on to be twice engaged before tying the knot in December 2019.
The breakup would go on to inspire her second US Billboard chart-topping hit, 'Flowers', which remains her most successful song, winning two Grammy Awards.
Miley Cyrus' tribute to Dolly Parton in full
"The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts," she wrote on Instagram.
"What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong. I have an angel by my side. I always have. One of our 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. We’re in this loss together and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things."
Topics: Miley Cyrus, Dolly Parton, Celebrity, Celebrity News
Brenna Cooper