Billy Ray Cyrus Pays Emotional Tribute to Dolly Parton Following Her Shock Death Country singer Billy Ray Cyrus has paid an emotional tribute to his close friend and collaborator Dolly Parton following her shock death on Tuesday. Cyrus, 65, revealed that Parton had named him as the godfather to his daughter Miley and shared a heartwarming memory of the two of them. He also recalled a specific incident in 1992 when he walked into Parton's dressing room to apologize for all the tabloid stories which claimed he was having an affair with her. The 65-year-old then revealed Parton's final words to him, writing, 'Dolly recently sent me a beautiful message, telling me she loved me with her whole heart. I will always love her in the same way ….. with my whole heart … and I always will.' Just two hours before his eulogy to Parton, Cyrus posted a star-studded birthday tribute to himself which featured his girlfriend Elizabeth Hurley The tribute video also featured Miley, Shania Twain, and many other stars Lil Nas X, who recorded Old Town Road with Cyrus, also appeared in the video Read More Billy Ray Cyrus has paid an emotional tribute to his close friend and collaborator Dolly Parton following her shock death on Tuesday. The 65-year-old country singer, who previously toured and recorded with Parton, revealed that she had named him as the godfather to his daughter Miley. In an official statement released roughly two hours after he posted an ill-timed birthday tribute to himself shortly after her death was announced to the public, Cyrus reflected on old tabloid rumors that he and Parton were having an affair while on tour together in the early '90s.'I have so many moments and memories with Dolly, it's hard to know where to start,' he wrote. 'Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton. She was a part of our lives, on our TVs, right in our living rooms,' he added. The 65-year-old then recalled a specific incident in 1992 when he walked into Parton's dressing room to apologize for all the tabloid stories which claimed he was having an affair with her.'In true Dolly fashion, she just looked at me, winked and said