Singer Billy Ray Cyrus has publicly shared a never-before-seen handwritten letter from the late country legend Dolly Parton, revealing the cherished keepsake she gifted him shortly after their first meeting in Chicago in the spring of 1992. The emotional post, shared on Instagram, marks the first time Cyrus has made the personal letter public in over three decades.

The Letter and Its Significance

Cyrus described the letter as one of his most prized possessions, placing it alongside a handwritten note he had previously shared from the late Johnny Cash. In his own words: 'Never have I shared this… until now. I've posted one of my most prized possessions before: a handwritten letter from Johnny Cash. This one sits right beside it. To me they go together … Brother Cash and Sister Parton.'

He reflected on the profound personal meaning both letters carry, writing: 'They are the hearts and minds of two of my heroes that both took the time to express their most personal and sincere thoughts to an ole Kentucky Boy.'

A Friendship Rooted in 1992

According to Cyrus, Parton gave him the letter just weeks after they first crossed paths. 'Achy Breaky Heart' was only beginning its chart ascent at the time, and his debut album Some Gave All had not yet been released. The timing underscores just how early in his career Parton reached out with personal encouragement.

The two went on to share several collaborative milestones. Cyrus noted: 'And soon after I received this letter, we'd go on to sing 'Romeo' together with Tanya Tucker, Kathy Mattea and Mary Chapin Carpenter.' Their shared history spanned network television specials and the hit series Hannah Montana, in which Parton famously played Cyrus's on-screen aunt.

Their Final Song Together

Cyrus revealed that their last collaboration was the song Christmas Where We Are, recorded more than 30 years after they first met. The disclosure adds a poignant coda to a friendship that bridged generations of country music. 'Today felt like the right day to share it. Shine on, Dolly,' he wrote, closing his tribute.

Dolly Parton's Passing

Dolly Parton passed away in August 2026 at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer. The news was confirmed by her nephew Bryan Seaver, who also served as her head of security, in an Instagram video. Her death prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the music industry and beyond. Cyrus's post is among the most intimate personal tributes to emerge since her passing, offering a rare window into the private warmth she extended to fellow artists.