Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton are apparently distant relatives
On September 24, 2024, 10:28 AM
Dolly Parton has learned her special connection with goddaughter Miley Cyrus is even deeper than she originally thought.
Genealogy and family tree tracking site Ancestry announced on Monday that by using âbillions of historical records and public family trees,â theyâve discovered that the two music powerhouses are actually seventh cousins, once removed.
Their common ancestor is a man named John Brickey, who was born in Virginia in 1740, according to Ancestry. Brickey is Partonâs sixth great-grandfather and Cyrusâ seventh great-grandfather.
âWeâre so close, Miley and I. Iâd have thought weâd have been at least third cousins,â Parton said on Mondayâs episode of Access Hollywood, reacting to the revelation. âIt doesnât surprise me because she does feel like family.â
Parton is Cyrusâ godmother and previously appeared on several episodes of the Disney Channel show âHannah Montanaâ playing Cyrusâ aunt.
The pair have always been vocal about their closeness, something Cyrus touched on in a tribute to Parton that she penned for Time Magazineâs 100 Most Influential People of 2021.
âDolly is not only my idol because of her incomparable careerâsheâs also my role model because of her steadfast morals and values,â Cyrus wrote. âShe recognizes how impactful her choices will be as one of the most iconic and powerful voices in country music, and she leaves no one behind.â
The timing of this news is poignant considering Parton is gearing up to release her new family-centric album âDolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA â Family, Faith & Fablesâ in November.
The album will have four-part companion docuseries that delves deeper into Partonâs ancestry, offering âan intimate look at the familyâs historical journey from the UK to present-day East Tennessee, enriched by interviews with numerous family members,â according to her website.