Dolly Parton, known for her vocal support of Miley Cyrus, her goddaughter, commented on one of Cyrus’ songs, saying it was ‘not fair’ for her to be ‘singing’ it.
Dolly Parton, a renowned artist in her own right, has consistently been a strong advocate for Miley Cyrus and her musical endeavors.
Nonetheless, there was a particular song that gave Parton pause due to its lyrics, making her unsure if she ‘liked’ it.
Upon the release of Cyrus’ hit ‘Wrecking Ball,’ Parton likened her reaction to the impact Whitney Houston’s ‘I Will Always Love You’ had on her, which led her to release her own cover of ‘Wrecking Ball.’
Cyrus has often paid homage to Parton’s work through cover songs, and the two have collaborated on various projects.
In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Miley Cyrus recounted how a song she released in 2023 prompted Parton to remark that it would have suited her more than Cyrus.
The single ‘Used to Be Young,’ released by Cyrus in August 2023, made its debut at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100.
Despite the song’s commercial success, Parton expressed her reservations.
Cyrus shared Parton’s feedback on the song, stating: “She goes, ‘I don’t know if I like that new ‘Used to Be Young’ song because it’s not fair that you’re singing about not being young when you’re young and beautiful.
“And here I am – I’m like 80 – and I’m like, That should have been my song!'”
There is a deeper significance to the song and its lyrics for Cyrus, which Parton may not have initially understood.
The song’s lyrics include the lines: “You tell me time has done changed me / That’s fine, I’ve had a good run / I know I used to be crazy / That’s ’cause I used to be young.”
Miley Cyrus reflected on the song, saying: “I actually listened to that song yesterday, and I was asking myself, Did I really need to put this out? It was one of those things that maybe now that I’m a bit more private, I would’ve kept private, but I’m happy to have shared it. It just feels like a song that’s so personal that it’s hard for people to relate.”
The song also possesses ‘healing sound properties,’ as Cyrus explained: “The songs, whether they’re about destruction or heartbreak or death, they’re presented in a way that is beautiful, because the nastiest times of our life do have a point of beauty.
“They are the shadow, they are the charcoal, they are the shading. You can’t have a painting without highlights and contrast.”