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 (25 August), after a 'brief 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 track'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 admitted, 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.
Around 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 seemingly 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."
Other celebrities who have paid tribute to Dolly Parton
Taylor Swift
Parton had previously praised Swift as a 'great inspiration', and the billionaire songstress wrote a touching tribute for the country icon.
She wrote: "A world without Dolly doesn’t feel possible, real, or right. But because of the eternally generous way she spent her time on this earth and the countless lives she changed for the better, her legacy will be an everlasting one.
“She was truly the gift that kept on giving. Dolly gave us someone to look up to while encouraging us to be who we are as individuals. Somehow she was able to give us her lessons about the world gently and honestly, simultaneously, and oftentimes hilariously.
"She managed to give the world the ultimate mystery and fantasy in some corners of her life, but to give full transparency in the ways that counted.
"Somehow she was true grace and true grit, all in one dazzling person. She possessed the softest heart when it came to the struggles of others, and a backbone of steel to defend her own self worth as an artist.
“Along with her other fans, I am so grateful for all of it. For the melodies and lyrics she wrote that thawed even the coldest hearts. For the millions of books she provided children all over the world so that they might fall in love with stories the way she did. For the tightropes she walked so that young girls like me could grow up dreaming of joining the circus too.
“Dolly, I’ll think of you each step of the way."
Donald Trump
The US president wrote on Truth Social: "Very sad to report that Dolly Parton, one of the greatest Country singers, and far beyond, EVER, has just passed away.
"This is a true loss for millions of people. There has never been anyone like her, and never will.
"In her honor, I am lowering the American flag throughout the United States for a one week period beginning tonight at 6:00PM. Rest in Peace, Dolly! The World loves you."
Beyoncé
The singer, who created her own version of 'Jolene' back in 2024, wrote: "Dolly, you were the barometer. The north star. Bold and brilliant. Talented and tenacious. You taught so many lessons on how to be uniquely oneself.
"I am grateful for your art, your heart, your generosity, your humour, your entrepreneurship. I’m honoured that I had the privilege to work with you. I will treasure that forever.
"Thank you for your profound impact on the world. You are an angel who has made this world a happier place because of your joyful art. You are truly one of one. Rest peacefully.”
Eminem
The 'Real Slim Shady' rapper shared a note from Parton congratulating him on his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame back in 2022.
Parton wrote in the note: "Even though I don't know a lot about rap music, I've come to know that you are the very best at it.
"I have always felt some unexplained connection to you like I know you somehow.
"Just know you are very special and touch people in ways you don't even know."
Eminem wrote: "I’m sorry we never got a chance to meet, but getting this note from Dolly really had an impact on me. She definitely didn’t have to take the time to do it.
"Even for a kid who mostly listened to rap music, she was an icon. A superstar in every sense.
"Rest easy Dolly. And thank you for the kind words."
Topics: Miley Cyrus, Dolly Parton, Celebrity, Celebrity News
Brenna Cooper