Dolly Parton’s Jolene, first released on October 15, 1973, remains one of country music’s most iconic songs. Decades later, between September and December 2012, Miley Cyrus paid tribute to her godmother with a soulful cover as part of her Backyard Sessions series. Showcasing her raw vocals and deep connection to country roots, the performance quickly became a fan favorite and solidified her ability to bridge classic country with modern pop.
But just as she effortlessly blends genres in music, Miley also embraces transformation in fashion—shifting from bohemian country aesthetics to bold, high-fashion statements on the red carpet. This fearless evolution was on full display at the 2015 Grammy Awards, where she stunned in a daring yet elegant ensemble.
Miley Cyrus delivers a passionate performance of ‘Jolene’ by Dolly Parton for the first time as part of the Backyard Sessions, looking effortlessly chic in a delicate lace sleeveless top that complements the natural, rustic setting
Dolly Parton’s connection to Miley Cyrus extends beyond music—she also played Miley’s glamorous and fun-loving godmother on Hannah Montana, bringing her signature style and charm to the beloved Disney series.
Like Miley, Dolly Parton loves wearing high heels. At the 2016 Academy of Country Music Awards, Dolly styled peep-toe Christian Louboutin heels with a sequined jacket and long pants.
The Hannah Montana cast embraces bold, eclectic fashion, with Dolly Parton dazzling in a fitted brown top and floral skirt, while Miley Cyrus stuns in leopard print capris and a sleek black vest (Credit: Disney Channel)
Miley Cyrus Honors Her Godmother With Soulful Covers and Live Performances
In addition to “Jolene” by Dolly Parton, her performances included “Lilac Wine” by James Shelton and “What Have They Done to My Song Ma” by Melanie Safka.
Now a staple in her live performances, Miley Cyrus has shared the stage with Dolly Parton multiple times to deliver unforgettable renditions of Jolene.
In addition to being a great song—it was ranked No. 217 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of “the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time” in 2004—Miley chose to cover it because Dolly Parton is her godmother.
Dolly Parton’s Special Bond With Miley Cyrus and Her Family
“I worked with Billy Ray for all those years, when he had ‘Achy Breaky Heart,'” Parton recalled on SiriusXM’s Just Jenny about her relationship with her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus and Cyrus’ father, Billy Ray Cyrus.
“He worked with me on some shows we did in the early days. He opened some of my shows. We just got to know each other. I wrote a song called ‘Romeo,’ and had him in a video. We just kind of gelled, ’cause we’re both country kids. We had a lot of fun just talking about that. And then when Miley came along, I said, ‘She’s got to be my fairy goddaughter.'”
“It’s been so amazing that I’ve had all these little kids that grew up with that, and now have their little kids,” Parton added about also playing Cyrus’ godmother in the hit TV show, Hannah Montana. “All through the generations, they keep bringing me back around and I love it.”
Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton dazzle in coordinating Western-inspired outfits, with Miley rocking an embroidered cropped jacket and studded belt, while Dolly stuns in a rhinestone-embellished denim ensemble
Beyond her country music influences and heartfelt performances, Miley Cyrus has also made a name for herself as a daring fashion icon. Whether embracing her country roots with bohemian-inspired looks or turning heads with edgy couture, her style evolution has been nothing short of dramatic.
This fearless approach to fashion was on full display at the 2015 Grammy Awards, where she joined a lineup of music’s biggest stars in a striking red carpet ensemble.
Miley Cyrus Stuns at the 2015 Grammy Awards Alongside Music’s Biggest Stars
In February 2015, Miley Cyrus hit the red carpet with Nicki Minaj, Lady Gaga, Iggy Azalea, Katy Perry, Beyonce Knowles, Taylor Swift, Madonna, and Ariana Grande at the 2015 Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Miley Cyrus rocked a slicked-back platinum blonde hairstyle paired with delicate diamond stud earrings for a sophisticated touch
Miley Cyrus exuded edgy elegance in a black Alexandre Vauthier Spring 2015 Couture gown, featuring daring cutouts that balanced sophistication with bold style.
She accessorized with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry and completed the ensemble with Jimmy Choo shoes. A few months later, we spotted Taraji P. Henson in the same dress at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards!
Miley Cyrus in a sexy black dress on the red carpet at the 2015 Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 8, 2015 (Credit: WENN / Adriana M. Barraza)
Do you like this relatively conservative look? Would you wear this long dress if you were 5′ 5″ (1.65 m) like Miley Cyrus? You can find the latest dresses from Alexandre Vauthier at Mytheresa and Farfetch.
While Miley’s floor-length Alexandre Vauthier gown kept her shoes hidden, her red carpet history proves she’s no stranger to bold footwear choices. From edgy boots to sky-high stilettos, she has consistently used shoes to elevate her daring fashion statements.
Like Miley, many celebrities have embraced Alexandre Vauthier’s signature designs, stepping out in his stunning heels and boots on major red carpets.
Stepping Out in Style: Celebrities Who Love Alexandre Vauthier
Here are some standout moments featuring Alexandre Vauthier shoes and outfits:
Kerry Washington Shines in Metallic Gold Heels
- Event: Disney Upfront Event
- Outfit: Kerry Washington donned a burgundy leather Brandon Maxwell drop-waist dress.
- Footwear: She elevated her look with Alexandre Vauthier’s “Shooting” sandals, made in Italy from metallic gold faux leather with genuine leather soles. They feature thin buckled ankle straps, pointed peep toes, 2.4-inch platforms, and 5.9-inch stiletto heels.
- More Details: Kerry Washington’s stunning appearance at the Disney Upfront Event
Hailey Baldwin’s Bold Boot Choice at the MTV VMAs
- Event: 2017 MTV Video Music Awards
- Outfit: Hailey Baldwin switched from a silver Zuhair Murad jumpsuit to a sheer black Alexandre Vauthier couture ensemble.
- Footwear: She complemented her second look with Alexandre Vauthier suede boots, adding an edgy touch to her outfit.
- More Details: Hailey Baldwin’s fashion transformation at the MTV VMAs
Diane Kruger’s Parisian Chic in White Pumps
- Event: San Sebastián International Film Festival
- Outfit: Diane Kruger wore an Alexandre Vauthier oversized pinstripe suit.
- Footwear: She paired her suit with white pointy-toe pumps, exuding effortless sophistication and cool nonchalance.
- More Details: Diane Kruger’s Parisian-inspired ensemble at SSIFF
Lindsay Lohan’s Elegant Appearance at the ‘Mean Girls’ Premiere
- Event: ‘Mean Girls’ 2024 Movie Premiere
- Outfit: Lindsay Lohan wore a black Alexandre Vauthier cutout dress with sharp shoulder pads and symmetrical waist cutouts.
- Footwear: She completed her look with black Giuseppe Zanotti Cohralise pumps featuring ankle straps and pointed toes.
- More Details: Lindsay Lohan’s chic ensemble at the ‘Mean Girls’ premiere
These moments highlight Alexandre Vauthier’s appeal among celebrities, offering designs that range from bold statements to elegant classics.