Dolly Parton and goddaughter Miley Cyrus singing “Wrecking Ball” and “I Will Always Love You” shows everything that was great about the country icon, and you’ll melt watching the love and respect they share

After news of Dolly Parton’s death emerged, many fans revisited a performance she gave with her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus. The televised duet combined Cyrus’s “Wrecking Ball” and Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.” The appearance showcased not only their vocal contributions but also the affection and mutual respect evident between them. Their rapport reflected how effectively the two performers responded to each other’s energy when sharing a stage.

The performance came from the NBC program Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party. It took place and was televised on December 31, 2022. On August 26, 2026, YouTube channel Cover Nation uploaded the duet, a day after Parton’s death. Following that news, numerous viewers sought out the recording of Parton and Cyrus performing the two songs together.

During “Wrecking Ball,” Parton’s high range was paired with Cyrus’s husky vocal sound. Parton brought considerable power, emotion, and gravitas to the portions she led. Cyrus’s participation in “I Will Always Love You” was also noteworthy because she did not typically choose that song when performing material from her godmother’s catalog.

Comments left by fans focused heavily on the relationship visible in the duet. Viewers said Parton’s pride in and love for Cyrus were clear. Others described the singers as a particularly well-matched pair who allowed each other to shine, adding that the closeness between them could be both seen and felt during the performance.

Watch the full performance on page two