Billy Ray Cyrus recalls Dolly Parton’s reaction to affair rumors in death tribute

Billy Ray Cyrus reflected on Dolly Parton’s reaction to rumors they were having an affair over three decades ago.

“In 1992, I’ll never forget walking into her dressing room to apologize for all the tabloid stories which claimed I was having an affair with her,” Billy Ray wrote in his Instagram tribute to the “Jolene” singer after she died Tuesday at age 80.

He added, “In true Dolly fashion, she just looked at me, winked and said, ‘Honey, this trash sells records!’”

Billy Ray, who turned 65 on the day of Parton’s death, became close with the country music legend when they toured together in 1992, the same year he asked Parton to be his daughter Miley Cyrus’ godmother.

In his tribute, the “Achy Breaky Heart” singer said that as a “little boy,” he “grew up loving Dolly Parton.”

“She was a part of our lives, on our TV’s, right in our living rooms,” he wrote.

Billy Ray also said that before Parton died, she sent him “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,” he concluded.

Billy Ray’s post included pictures of the pair with Miley, who has not yet spoken out about Parton’s death.

During a 2009 “Good Morning America” interview, Parton looked back on the moment Billy Ray asked her to be Miley’s godmother.

“I’ve known her since she was a baby,” Parton said of the “Flowers” singer, now 33. “Her father’s a friend of mine. And when she was born, he said, ‘You just have to be her godmother,’ and I said, ‘I accept.’”

The latest news on music icon Dolly Parton’s death at 80

Parton added, “We never did do a big ceremony, but I’m so proud of her, love her and she’s just like one of my own.”

The “9 to 5” singer also spoke about how Billy Ray became her “good friend” on “The Howard Stern Show” in 2023.

“When Billy had the big song, ‘Achy Breaky Heart,’ well, we toured together. I was on tour and then Billy toured with me and so that’s how we just got to be good friends, because he’s a Kentucky boy, I’m from Tennessee,” Parton shared.

Parton passed away after a brief battle with cancer, her reps confirmed to Page Six on Tuesday.

“Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones,” the statement read.

Parton’s team also confirmed her funeral will consist of “a small, private service for immediate family” that is expected to take place in Nashville.