AceShowbiz - Miley Cyrus has revealed that the highly anticipated 20th anniversary special for Hannah Montana was actually her idea, even before it officially existed. In a recent interview with Variety, she explained how she used an unconventional strategy inspired by her godmother, Dolly Parton, to bring the project to life.

Despite Disney having over a decade to plan a celebration for the beloved show’s milestone, the network had not organized a special event. After the 10th anniversary, when Miley Cyrus posted on Instagram that she had ‘chopped up’ and buried the character Hannah Montana in her backyard, it seemed as though she had no interest in revisiting the role. However, the upcoming special, which is set to premiere on Disney+ on March 24, 2026, was actually initiated by Cyrus.

She shared how she began promoting the anniversary special months before it was in development. “I just started promoting a Hannah Montana 20th-anniversary special that literally did not exist,” she told Variety. This tactic came from advice given by Dolly Parton, who told her to promote something before it exists so others won’t refuse the idea.

In July 2025, Cyrus hinted at plans for the special during an interview on SiriusXM’s TikTok Radio, expressing a desire to create “something really, really special.” This teaser ignited speculation among fans about a possible concert, a reunion, or even a new episode. At that time, no plans were actually underway, but the enthusiastic response helped convince Disney to move forward.

Using the fan excitement as leverage, Miley approached the network and emphasized the project’s potential impact. Variety reports that formal planning only began in December 2025, with significant production work starting early in 2026. Cyrus remarked that sometimes Disney forgets how deeply connected she is to the Hannah Montana character, emphasizing that it is much more than just a TV show to fans.

The upcoming special promises to celebrate two decades of a cultural phenomenon that continues to resonate with audiences. Thanks to Miley Cyrus’s persistence and a little inspiration from Dolly Parton, fans will soon get a chance to relive the magic of Hannah Montana once again.