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Country singer Billy Ray Cyrus has stated that he is “adjusting to a world” without Dolly Parton, describing the period following her passing as A.D – After Dolly.
Cyrus, 65, was a close friend of the country music superstar who died at the age of 80 on August 25 following a short battle with cancer.
Marking one month since her death on Friday, Cyrus remembered the performer as being “a light in the world”.
In an interview with People, he commented: “I forever see that number 25 has changed in a different way.
“I call it A.D. After Dolly.
“We’re adjusting to a world without Dolly, and her light still shines. That’s the beauty of it.”
Parton, famed for classic tracks such as Jolene, 9 To 5 and I Will Always Love You, served as godmother to Cyrus’ daughter, the singer Miley Cyrus.
Reflecting on her legacy, he likened Parton to “like Mother Theresa meets Elvis (Presley) meets Marilyn Monroe”, adding that she was “a star of a magnitude beyond this planet”.
He said: “Dolly is just such a light in the world. We all celebrate this day of all of her love and humanity.
“She treated every single human being that came in her path with love and grace.”
To commemorate the milestone, Cyrus shared what he considers one of his most “prized possessions”: a handwritten letter presented to him by Parton shortly after they first met in 1992.
In the note, she expressed her pleasure at collaborating with the singer and noted how proud she was of his career.
Homages flooded in globally following her death, with tributes paid by major musical icons including Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Mick Jagger, Taylor Swift and Beyonce.
During a career that spanned over six decades, Parton sold in excess of 100 million records worldwide and authored more than 3,000 songs, featuring hits Coat Of Many Colours and Joshua.
Her achievements extended to business through an empire featuring her Dollywood theme park, alongside her work as a pioneering philanthropist.
In 1995, Parton established the Imagination Library to honour her father, who was unable to read or write, ensuring children from birth until age five receive a free, high-quality book posted to their home every month.
An annual charity fundraising day titled Give Like Dolly Day was launched on September 25 to celebrate the country music icon and promote support for the initiative.
