Dolly Parton has earned a coveted spot on TIME magazine’s list of 100 most influential people. Parton was honored with an essay by singer and actress Miley Cyrus, who is also Parton’s goddaughter.
“Dolly is not only my idol because of her incomparable career—she’s also my role model because of her steadfast morals and values,” Cyrus writes. “At her core, she is the definition of a humanitarian. She’s also the world’s most impeccably purposeful walking contradiction, having developed her iconic look after being inspired by the town tramp. Now she’s known as a saintly, even godlike, figure.”
Cyrus, who appeared with Parton on a few episodes of Cyrus’ Hannah Montana TV show, credits the 75-year-old for being a role model that has remained steadfast throughout her entire, massively successful, career.
‘Though she created an identity that she downplays as being built on wigs, lots of gingham and silicone, the foundation for this empire is actually her honesty, truth and her faith,” Cyrus says. “People look to Dolly for guidance, and she knows that. She wears that responsibility with the same grace and pride she rocks a two-piece Nudie suit.
“She 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,” she continues. “Dolly has diligently celebrated the queer community and her Imagination Library provides millions of books for kids. (The only thing Dolly loves more than glitter is children.)”
Cyrus also praised the Country Music Hall of Fame member for her generous million dollar to help fund research for a COVID-19 vaccine, before concluding by praising Parton for being the person everyone wishes they could be.
“There’s a theory that you shoudn’t meet your heroes, but I wish everyone had the chance to meet Dolly Parton, because she’s even better than your sparkliest dreams,” Cyrus boasts. “She may be my fairy godmother, but I think she’s that to everyone else too. I am happy to share her with the world.”
Kane Brown also appeared on the list, honored with an essay by Darius Rucker,