Miley Cyrus Singing “Jolene” Could Have Made the CMA’s Dolly Parton Tribute Even More Special
The CMA’s televised tribute to Dolly Parton delivered an evening celebrating the country icon’s extraordinary career, music and kindness. But while the October 21, 2026, special featured memorable performances from artists connected to the legendary singer, one notable absence stood out: Miley Cyrus.
Ella Langley performed Dolly’s beloved hit “Jolene” during the event and did an excellent job. Still, Miley’s absence left room for a tantalizing question: Could her performance of the song have made the tribute even more meaningful?
As Dolly’s goddaughter and one of the artists who has helped introduce “Jolene” to millions of viewers, Miley would have brought a deeply personal connection to the celebration.
Why Miley Cyrus Would Have Been a Perfect Choice for “Jolene”
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Miley has performed “Jolene” on several occasions over the years, developing a version that has resonated with audiences around the world. Her connection to Dolly makes those performances particularly special, adding another layer of emotion to a song that remains one of the country legend’s most recognizable hits.
Fans first saw Miley perform her rendition in 2012, when she recorded a backyard cover for a YouTube series alongside her bandmates. The series featured the group performing songs they loved, but Miley’s take on Dolly’s classic quickly attracted widespread attention.
The cover has since become a viral sensation, surpassing 581 million views on YouTube. Its enduring popularity demonstrates just how strongly audiences have connected with Miley’s interpretation of the song.
Miley and Dolly Once Shared the Stage for “Jolene”
Miley’s connection to the song goes beyond her solo performances. In 2016, she joined Dolly and a cappella group Pentatonix on The Voice for a special rendition of “Jolene,” giving fans the chance to see the godmother and goddaughter perform the classic together.
That history makes Miley’s absence from the CMA tribute especially noticeable. A performance from her could have offered a personal tribute to Dolly while celebrating the lasting influence of one of her most famous songs.
Miley’s Emotional Dolly Tribute at the Hollywood Bowl
Miley’s latest performance of “Jolene” came just days before the CMA special. On October 16, she took the stage at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles for the first of two concerts.
During the show, she reflected on the only time she had seen Dolly perform live. That experience had taken place at the same venue, making the setting particularly meaningful for Miley.
As she spoke about her godmother, Miley became visibly emotional, with tears streaming down her face before she sang “Jolene” in Dolly’s honor. The performance offered a deeply personal expression of their bond and the lasting impact Dolly had on her life.
A Tribute Worth Watching
Despite the absence of Miley, the CMA’s Dolly Parton tribute remained a heartfelt celebration, bringing together performances and stories from people who knew and admired the country legend.
For anyone who missed the broadcast, the special is worth catching. Details on how to watch it are available here.
And while Miley didn’t appear in the televised event, fans can revisit her many renditions of “Jolene,” including her emotional performance at the Hollywood Bowl. Given how closely the song is tied to her relationship with Dolly, it’s a moment that continues to resonate—and one that leaves plenty of reason to hope she’ll sing it again.
