Relive the Hannah Montana 20th anniversary special on Disney+, celebrating Miley Cyrus and the cast. But why were Emily Osment and Mitchel Musso missing?
- May 5, 2026
AceShowbiz - Hannah Montana celebrated its 20th anniversary with a special event on Disney+, eagerly anticipated by fans around the world. The reunion brought together several key cast members, including Miley Cyrus, her father Billy Ray Cyrus, and co-stars Jason Earles, Moisés Arias, Cody Linley, Shanica Knowles, and Anna Maria Perez de Tagle. The world premiere took place on March 23, 2026, in Los Angeles, California, marking a nostalgic milestone for the beloved series.
Despite the excitement, many fans noticed a significant absence: Emily Osment, who famously portrayed Lilly, Miley’s best friend on the show, was not present at the reunion or featured in the Disney+ special. Alongside her, Mitchel Musso, who played Oliver, was also missing from both the event and the special presentation.
The reason behind Emily Osment's absence was revealed through her social media. She explained that she was unavailable due to filming commitments for the project George and Mandy’s First Marriage. In an Instagram post, she expressed deep gratitude for the impact Hannah Montana had on her life and career, emphasizing how the series taught her valuable lessons in comedy, discipline, and professionalism at a young age.
In her heartfelt message, Emily wrote about the lasting bond she feels with the show and its fans: "I can't tell you what your sweet messages mean to me and how lucky I feel to have been a part of this once-in-a-generation goliath of a television show." She also thanked viewers for welcoming her into their homes and expressed hope to continue connecting with audiences through her ongoing work.
After wrapping up her role on Hannah Montana in 2011, Emily Osment went on to star in multiple television series, including Family Guy, Cleaners, Young & Hungry, Mom, The Kominsky Method, Almost Family, and Young Sheldon. Even with a busy career, her appreciation for the Disney Channel show remains clear, highlighting how pivotal the experience was for her professional growth.
While fans were disappointed not to see Emily Osment at the reunion, her message made it clear that her absence was due to current work obligations and not a lack of appreciation for the iconic show that helped launch her career. The Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special remains a celebration of the series’ legacy, with many familiar faces coming together to honor the cultural phenomenon that continues to resonate with audiences.