Country music icon Dolly Parton has shared 57 years of marriage with her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, since their wedding on May 30, 1966. Despite their enduring love, the couple did not have children, and Parton has candidly addressed the reasons behind this decision.
In 1982, the renowned singer faced a challenging health issue involving painful abdominal bleeding, prompting her to seek medical attention and cancel a scheduled tour. Two years later, in 1984, Parton underwent a partial hysterectomy, a procedure that involves the removal of a portion of the uterus. Following this surgery, medical professionals conveyed the unfortunate news that Parton would not be able to conceive and have children.
The news of her inability to have children plunged the renowned singer, Dolly Parton, into a two-year depression, prompting her to scale down her professional commitments. Despite the emotional turmoil, Parton viewed this period as a message from God, signaling her to slow down and confront the challenges in her life.
Parton expressed her belief that God has a plan for everything, including her decision not to have children. She embraced the idea that while she may not have biological children, everyone else’s children would become hers in a different way. Before her health issues, Parton and her husband, Carl Thomas Dean, had discussed the prospect of having children. They even envisioned details such as whether their kids would inherit Dean’s tall stature or her shorter frame, and they had settled on the name Carla for a potential daughter.
As Parton and Dean aged, they recognized that their dream of parenthood was not meant to be. Parton acknowledged that becoming a mother might have led her to sacrifice everything else, particularly given her guilt about touring and leaving her children at home. She believed that her life, and her status as a country music legend, would have taken a different trajectory if she had become a parent.
Despite not having biological children, Parton found a way to experience motherhood by becoming a godmother to an iconic pop singer, embracing an alternative path to familial connection and love.
Dolly Parton became the godmother of Miley Cyrus due to her close friendship with Cyrus’ father, Billy Ray Cyrus. The decision for Parton to be Cyrus’ godmother was made when the young singer was born, solidifying a special bond between them.
Taking her role as Cyrus’ godmother seriously, the 77-year-old country music icon played a significant part in the pop star’s life. Cyrus, who rose to fame as a teenager on “Hannah Montana,” turned 13 while on the set and experienced rapid success. Parton, however, instilled in her goddaughter the importance of remaining true to herself and not succumbing to what Cyrus termed as “new money syndrome.”
Parton praised Cyrus for her sensational performance on “Hannah Montana.” The pop star, affectionately calling Parton “Aunt Dolly,” even suggested that Parton join the show, leading to the country singer’s appearance. Reflecting on their time together on the sitcom, Parton expressed her joy at being Miley’s fairy godmother and sharing those moments with her.
Their collaboration on the show introduced Parton to a new, younger audience, thanks to Cyrus. Impressed by Cyrus’s professionalism, Parton watched with pride, feeling like a proud mama. Cyrus, in turn, credits Parton for imparting valuable lessons about staying grounded, treating others with respect, and acknowledging everyone, regardless of their position on a film or television production.
The relationship between Cyrus and Parton serves as a reminder of essential values in life, as the godmother continues to influence her goddaughter with love, respect, and humility.
Dolly Parton emphasized the similarities between herself and Miley Cyrus, describing the young singer as someone like her – a great singer and songwriter who was in the process of finding her own path and learning to navigate her career. Parton lauded Cyrus for her talents and the journey she was undertaking.
Parton clarified that she only offered career advice when Cyrus sought her wisdom, never imposing her opinions or asking her to alter her unique style. Parton’s support for Cyrus has been unwavering and unconditional, leading to collaborations and duets where they performed each other’s songs.
Cyrus, who turned 30 in 2023, expressed admiration for Parton, considering her an idol and role model due to her exceptional career and steadfast morals. The pop star wished that everyone could have the chance to meet and appreciate Parton as she does. In December 2022, they co-hosted a TV special, “Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party: Legendary,” showcasing their unique chemistry and love.
Despite their strong bond, when Cyrus mentioned wanting to go brunette, Parton reacted with disbelief, insisting that Cyrus couldn’t make such a change because “You are me.” In response, Cyrus chose to remain a blonde.
Their close relationship was evident in a 2023 duet of “Wrecking Ball.” Cyrus expressed her honor at having Parton sing one of her songs, emphasizing her love for “Aunt Dolly.” Parton reciprocated by stating she was honored to sing with Cyrus and described her as the most gifted person she knows. Acknowledging their mutual suport, Parton highlighted the authenticity of their relationship, which she considered truly real despite any perception of gushiness.