Billy Ray Cyrus celebrated his 65th birthday on August 25 as tributes poured in following the death of his longtime friend Dolly Parton at 80.
WEB DESK: Country singer Billy Ray Cyrus turned 65 on August 25, with his birthday celebrations taking place just hours after the death of his longtime friend and country music icon Dolly Parton.
Cyrus shared an Instagram reel featuring birthday messages from family members, friends and fellow musicians. The post appeared shortly after news broke that Parton had died at the age of 80.
The timing prompted emotional reactions from some fans, who were celebrating Cyrus’ birthday while mourning the loss of the country music legend.
Billy Ray Cyrus receives birthday tributes
Cyrus’ birthday reel included messages from his children Noah, Miley and Braison Cyrus, as well as his girlfriend Elizabeth Hurley.
Musicians and entertainers including Lil Nas X, Garth Brooks, Diplo, Shania Twain, Gretchen Wilson and Kathy Mattea also contributed birthday messages, according to Geo News.
Cyrus was born on August 25, 1961, making him 65 on August 25, 2026.
His birthday coincided with a day of mourning across the music industry after Parton died in Nashville at the age of 80. The country music star’s representatives confirmed that she had died following a brief battle with cancer.
Dolly Parton and Billy Ray Cyrus shared decades-long friendship
Cyrus and Parton had maintained a friendship spanning more than three decades.
Their relationship was closely connected to Cyrus’ rise in country music during the early 1990s. The pair toured together in 1992 following Cyrus’ breakthrough with Achy Breaky Heart.
Parton also became an important figure in the Cyrus family. She served as the honorary godmother of Miley Cyrus and later appeared as “Aunt Dolly” on the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana.
The two musicians also collaborated professionally over the years, including Cyrus’ appearance in Parton’s 1993 Romeo music video and their 2020 Christmas duet, Christmas Where We Are.
Cyrus pays tribute to Dolly Parton
Following Parton’s death, Cyrus shared a separate emotional tribute recalling their long friendship and the memories they made together.
In his message, Cyrus remembered growing up with Parton’s music and described her as a major presence in his family’s life.
He also recalled the early years of his career and the media attention surrounding their friendship.
Cyrus’ tribute came as musicians, actors, politicians and fans around the world paid tribute to Parton following her death. Reuters reported widespread reactions from prominent figures across entertainment and public life.
Dolly Parton dies at 80
Parton’s death was announced on August 25 by her nephew Bryan Seaver in a video shared through her official social media account.
She died in Nashville at the age of 80. Her representatives later confirmed that she had faced a brief battle with cancer.
Parton was one of the most influential figures in country music, with a career spanning more than six decades. She was known for songs including Jolene, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You, as well as her acting career and extensive philanthropic work.
Her death has triggered tributes from fellow musicians, actors, political leaders and fans around the world.
A difficult birthday for Billy Ray Cyrus
For Cyrus, his 65th birthday became intertwined with the loss of a close friend who had played an important role in his personal and professional life.
While his birthday messages celebrated another milestone in his life, the same day marked the end of Parton’s remarkable career and life.
The unusual timing brought additional attention to Cyrus’ longstanding connection with Parton and highlighted the personal loss behind the wider wave of tributes to the country music legend.
