Dolly Parton Dead at 80: Billy Ray Cyrus Reacts, Shares Last Message

Like many, Billy Ray Cyrus is nursing an achy breaky heart.

And that’s because the legendary Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80, leaving behind a hole in the hearts of musicians and fans everywhere—especially within the Cyrus family, who were some of Dolly’s closest friends.

“I have so many moments and memories with Dolly, it’s hard to know where to start,” Billy Ray wrote on Instagram Aug. 25. “Like every little boy, I grew up loving Dolly Parton. She was a part of our lives, on our TV’s, right in our living rooms.”

After growing close in Nashville and Hollywood, the pair kept in touch, with Billy Ray sharing that he received a touching note from the Grammy winner before her passing.

“Dolly recently sent me a beautiful message, telling me she loved me with her whole heart,” he wrote. “I will always love her in the same way ….. with my whole heart … and I always will.”