Singer Billy Ray Cyrus has paid a deeply personal tribute to the late Dolly Parton, who passed away on Tuesday, 25 August 2026 at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer. In an emotional Instagram post, Cyrus declared that time itself would now be divided — at least in his 'broken heart' — into before and after Dolly, coining the phrase 'After Dolly. A.D.'

The Final Performance at Dollywood

Cyrus shared an image of the two together, describing it as the last time they performed side by side — at Dollywood, for Parton's Christmas special. The song they sang was 'Christmas Where We Are'. What made the occasion even more poignant, Cyrus revealed, was an act of extraordinary kindness that most fans never knew about.

'What most people don't know is Dolly moved the entire film schedule shoot date because my mom Ruthie had passed away,' he wrote, underscoring the personal bond between the two country music figures that went well beyond the stage.

Cyrus's Full Tribute in His Own Words

In his post, Cyrus addressed Parton directly: '@dollyparton … You have touched the hearts of the world. You have made your mark and made it well …. A shining light that will shine on beyond the sun and moon …and certainly this crazy planet. From this day henceforth is forever known as … at least in my broken heart…. as After Dolly. A.D. 8.25.26 A.D.'

The tribute quickly resonated with fans worldwide, reflecting the breadth of Parton's reach across generations and geographies.

How Dolly Parton's Passing Was Announced

News of Parton's death was confirmed by her nephew Bryan Seaver, who also served as her head of security. Seaver shared the announcement in a video posted to Parton's own Instagram page. She died following a brief battle with cancer, according to the family.

Parton, widely celebrated as the 'Queen of Country', was 80 years old at the time of her passing — a life that spanned decades of unmatched artistic output and cultural influence.

A Legacy Spanning Music, Film, and Philanthropy

Parton was among the most decorated performers in country music history, having earned eleven Grammy Awards and three Emmy Awards. She also received nominations for two Academy Awards, six Golden Globes, and a Tony Award — a sweep across entertainment disciplines that few artists have matched.

Beyond music, she built a career as an actress, producer, and entrepreneur, while earning widespread admiration for her philanthropy — most notably her Imagination Library programme, which has donated millions of books to children globally. Her combination of talent, warmth, and generosity cemented her status as an enduring cultural icon far beyond the world of country music.

As tributes continue to pour in from across the entertainment world, Cyrus's post stands out for its intimacy — a reminder that behind the legend was a woman who quietly rearranged her schedule for a grieving friend.