In a new interview, the country music star shares her reaction after discovering that she and her singer goddaughter are related by blood through a surprising genealogy revelation.
- September 26, 2024
AceShowbiz - Dolly Parton, the renowned country music icon, learned during an interview with Access Hollywood that she and Miley Cyrus, the pop star, share a distant lineage. Ancestry, a genealogical company, confirmed through a press release on Monday that the two are seventh cousins once removed.
"Is that true? That's amazing!" Parton exclaimed upon hearing the news. "Well, we're so close, Miley and I. I would've thought we would've been at least third cousins, 10 times removed."
Their shared ancestor is John Brickey, born in 1740 in Virginia. Brickey later moved to Tennessee, where both Parton and Cyrus have strong ties. Genetically, Brickey is Parton's 6th great-grandfather and Cyrus's 7th great-grandfather.
Parton and Cyrus have collaborated on numerous occasions throughout the years. Parton first appeared on Cyrus's hit show Hannah Montana in 2006 as her godmother, Aunt Dolly. They later co-hosted Miley's New Year's Eve Party in 2023 and performed together in 2022.
In addition to their shared lineage, Parton and Cyrus have also swapped songs. Parton covered Cyrus' hit "Wrecking Ball" on her solo studio album, while Cyrus famously covered Parton's classic "Jolene".
The revelation of their genetic connection further strengthens the close bond between Parton and Cyrus, who have always considered each other family.
