Cyrus felt “like family,” even before she knew they were blood-related, Parton says.
Dolly Parton, also known as “Aunt Dolly” Hannah Montana One of her fans revealed that she shares a common ancestry with Miley Cyrus. The two singers have a common relative who was born in the 18th century, making Parton a sixth great-granddaughter and Cyrus a seventh great-granddaughter. Parton told Access to Hollywood On Monday, she said the news didn't surprise her, because her niece Cyrus “feels[s] “Like family.”
“We're so close, Miley and I,” Parton said of their close relationship. “I would imagine we're at least third cousins, even though we're 10 times farther away. I'm sure she'd enjoy that.”
The singers are related to John Brecky, a man born in 1740 who left Virginia with his family for Blount County, Tennessee. The news makes Parton and Cyrus seventh cousins.
News of the intergenerational relationship arrives as Parton works on an upcoming intergenerational musical and visual project, Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, faith and stories. Parton has kept the project, which is set to be released on November 15, within the family: Parton’s cousin Richie Owens produced the album, Parton’s niece Heidi Parton sings lead vocals on “A Rose Won’t Fix It,” and contributions from deceased family members, including Parton’s late grandfather, the Rev. Jake Owens, have been incorporated into select songs. Along with the 37-track project, Parton is also planning a four-part documentary series tracing her musical lineage.
“I can’t believe it’s been 60 years this month since I graduated from Sevier County High School and moved to Nashville to pursue my dreams,” Parton shared in a previous statement. “My uncle Bill Owens has been by my side for so many years and helped me develop my music. I owe him so much and all the family members past and present who have inspired me along the way. I am honored to shine a light on our family’s musical legacy that is my Smoky Mountain DNA.”
