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Billy Ray Cyrus shared that he’s “thinking of Dolly Parton,” ahead of his first appearance since losing the beloved country legend.
Cyrus, 65, posted a photo on Instagram on Thursday evening (September 10). The photos how’s the “Achy Breaky Heart” artist standing in front of a mural of vibrantly-colored wings. He wrote in his caption that he was thinking of Parton, who had a lifelong appreciation for butterflies. Parton passed away on August 25 “after bravely facing a brief battle with cancer,” her representatives confirmed. She was 80. Parton was laid to rest in a private service for immediate family beside her husband of nearly six decades, Carl Dean. Dean died nearly a year and a half before Parton, in March 2025. He was 82.
Cyrus, a longtime friend and of Parton, said he would mark his first appearance since losing the “I Will Always Love You” legend at an event honoring first responders on Friday (September 11), 25 years after the 9/11 tragedy. Cyrus shared in his caption on Thursday evening: “Tomorrow morning will be my first appearance since her passing... and I’m honored to spend it at Nashville’s 9/11 Memorial Service... honoring Nashville Fire, Metro Police and all of our first responders. 25 years. We will never forget. 🇺🇸 ‘Some Gave All.’
Cyrus posted photos by Derrek Kupish on Instagram on Friday. He wrote: “Nashville Strong uniting on the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Honored to perform Some Gave All for Nashville’s finest. Thank you to those who have given all for our country and those who are serving today. 🙏🇺🇸” Cyrus is pictured with Nashville Chief of Police John Drake, Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell, Director Chief of the Nashville Fire Department William Swann, and IAFF Local 140 President Addis Kendall.