Miley Cyrus Was Missing From Dolly Parton’s Tribute, but Would Her “Jolene” Performance Could Have Made It Even More Special

The CMA’s star-studded tribute to Dolly Parton brought country music’s biggest names together for an unforgettable night of songs, memories, and heartfelt performances. But for some fans, there was one special voice they couldn’t help wishing had been part of the celebration: Dolly’s goddaughter, Miley Cyrus.

When CMA Presents I Will Always Love You: A Celebration of Dolly Parton aired on Wednesday, October 21, viewers were treated to moving performances celebrating Dolly’s extraordinary music and legacy. Yet one question lingered for fans who have followed Miley and Dolly’s musical connection for years: What would it have been like if Miley had stepped onto that stage to sing “Jolene”?

To be clear, Ella Langley did a wonderful job performing the iconic song during the special. Her performance was a fitting tribute to one of Dolly’s most recognizable hits. But Miley’s history with “Jolene” makes her absence particularly noticeable to those who hoped to see the song performed by Dolly’s own goddaughter.

MILEY CYRUS AND “JOLENE” HAVE A SPECIAL HISTORY

Miley first recorded her now-famous cover of “Jolene” in 2012, performing it with her bandmates for a backyard music series on YouTube. What began as a performance of a song she loved eventually became a phenomenon of its own.

Her version introduced Dolly’s classic to a new generation of listeners and continued attracting viewers for years. The recording has amassed hundreds of millions of views, becoming one of Miley’s most celebrated musical tributes.

And fans have had the joy of seeing Miley and Dolly sing the song together. The two joined forces on The Voice alongside a cappella group Pentatonix, creating a memorable moment that brought their musical bond to the forefront.

Their connection goes beyond a famous cover. Dolly has long been a mentor and a beloved godmother figure in Miley’s life, making any performance of “Jolene” by Miley feel especially personal.

MILEY’S EMOTIONAL DOLLY TRIBUTE JUST DAYS EARLIER

The timing made Miley’s absence from the CMA special even more striking for fans.

On October 16, during her two-night concert event at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, Miley spoke about Dolly and remembered seeing her perform at that venue—the only time Miley had seen her godmother live in concert.

Miley became visibly emotional as she sang “Jolene,” delivering a deeply personal tribute to someone who had played such an important role in her life.

It was a moment that showed how much meaning the song carries for her. It was no longer simply a country classic she had covered years ago; it had become a way to honor a woman she loved.

For viewers who witnessed that performance, imagining Miley singing “Jolene” during the CMA celebration was almost inevitable.

ELLA LANGLEY HONORED DOLLY, BUT MILEY WOULD HAVE BROUGHT A DIFFERENT CONNECTION

Ella Langley’s performance gave the tribute a fresh interpretation of Dolly’s signature song. The CMA special also featured more than 20 artists celebrating different chapters of Dolly’s career, from her greatest hits to the personal stories behind her music.

Miley’s participation, however, would have carried a different kind of significance. Her long-standing relationship with Dolly, their shared performance history, and her emotional rendition just days earlier could have made the moment feel especially intimate.

That doesn’t diminish Ella’s contribution. It simply highlights how many meaningful connections Dolly created throughout her life—and how different artists can honor her in their own ways.

For some fans, a Miley performance would have been a powerful bridge between Dolly’s legacy and the next generation of artists she inspired.

A TRIBUTE FULL OF LOVE, EVEN WITH ONE VOICE MISSING

Despite the wish to see Miley onstage, the CMA special offered a moving celebration of Dolly’s music, generosity, and lasting influence. Its performances reminded viewers why her songs have remained part of country music’s heart for decades.

And while Miley wasn’t part of the televised lineup, fans still have her unforgettable versions of “Jolene” to revisit—including her emotional recent tribute at the Hollywood Bowl.

Perhaps we’ll hear her sing it again someday. Until then, her performances remain a reminder of the special bond she shared with Dolly and the music that brought them together.

Dolly Parton’s songs have always brought people together. And when Miley Cyrus sings “Jolene,” fans hear not only a classic country song, but a personal tribute to the woman who helped shape her life.