Dolly Parton, a woman who has seen it all, is never one to hold back her opinions—especially when it comes to her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus. Recently, in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Cyrus opened up about her hit 2023 song, “Used to Be Young,” and the unexpected reaction she received from the country legend.
“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,'” recalled Cyrus, laughing about Parton’s playful jab. “And here I am — I’m like 80 — and I’m like, ‘That should have been my song!’” Parton’s comment, part playful critique and part loving tease, underscores the close-knit, humorous relationship the two share.
Released in August 2023 as part of the deluxe version of Cyrus’ Endless Summer Vacation album, “Used to Be Young” marked a shift in the pop star’s sound and perspective. The track finds Cyrus reflecting on her wild party years and reckoning with the bittersweet realization that time has changed her. “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,” Cyrus told Harper’s Bazaar, explaining why she chose to release such a personal track.
Despite the vulnerability in the song, Cyrus admitted to some doubts about the decision. “I actually listened to that song yesterday, and I was asking myself, Did I really need to put this out?” she admitted. “It just feels like a song that’s so personal that it’s hard for people to relate.” Yet, “Used to Be Young” resonated with many listeners, peaking at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and taking the top spot on the U.S. Adult Pop Airplay chart.
In addition to reflecting on the song’s success and personal significance, Cyrus revealed her latest creative endeavor: a visual album titled Something Beautiful, inspired by Pink Floyd’s The Wall. “I wanted to make The Wall, but with a better wardrobe and more glamorous,” she said, hinting at an ambitious project blending surrealism, pop culture, and high fashion. Adding to the intrigue, Cyrus also shared her admiration for Nicolas Cage’s 2018 cult film Mandy, which she described as a “romance revenge story.” “I love that it’s a romance revenge story. Romance and revenge — those are some of the greatest tragedies. I forever and always will be interested in those.”
As for Parton’s reaction to Something Beautiful, we can only imagine what the Queen of Country will have to say about Cyrus’s upcoming venture. With their bond stronger than ever, it’s clear that the two stars continue to push each other creatively—even when there’s a little playful shade involved.
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