Miley Cyrus performed at the Hollywood Bowl on Friday night for her first public concert in four years, including a tribute to her late godmother Dolly Parton through a cover of 'Jolene.' During the 18-song set, she also collaborated with Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips and shared memories of seeing Parton perform live once, which occurred at the same venue. Cyrus described the experience as a cherished moment, noting Parton's playful embarrassment of her during the event.
Cyrus recalled how Parton, who died in August 2026, once surprised her by revealing her presence at a concert, despite Cyrus's attempt to remain anonymous. She described the memory as 'gold' and emphasized their eternal bond, stating, 'Nothing in this life could ever tear us apart.' The tribute included a photo of Parton projected during the 'Jolene' performance, with Cyrus breaking into tears as she reflected on their relationship.
Cyrus also mentioned her plans for future performances, indicating she may focus on residencies rather than traditional tours. She described the Hollywood Bowl event as a 'dress rehearsal,' noting that ticket demand proved her calculations were correct. The concert featured songs from her new album 'Bass Persuades' and collaborations with Model/Actriz and The Flaming Lips.