In a revelation that has taken the internet by storm, genealogy website Ancestry.com has uncovered that country music royalty Dolly Parton and pop sensation Miley Cyrus are not just godmother and goddaughter, but also share a fascinating familial connection.

According to the findings published on September 23, 2023, the two entertainers are distantly related through a common ancestor, John Brickey. This 18th-century Tennessee resident, who lived close to what is now Parton’s beloved theme park, Dollywood, was born in 1740 and passed away in 1806. Remarkably, Parton is linked to Brickey as her sixth great-grandfather, while Cyrus is his seventh great-granddaughter, positioning them as seventh cousins once removed.

Parton couldn't contain her surprise and delight during a recent interview, stating, “Is that true? That’s amazing! We’re so close, Miley and I. I would’ve thought we’d have been at least third cousins, 10 times removed. I’m sure she’ll get a kick out of that.” The iconic “9 to 5” singer further expressed how Cyrus feels like family to her.

This family revelation comes at a perfect time, as Parton is set to release her new album, *Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables*, this November. The album will explore the musical heritage of Parton’s ancestors who settled in the Smoky Mountain region, and it will include performances from her family members across generations. Moreover, to complement the album, there’s an upcoming docuseries of the same title, which promises a deeper dive into her family history through performances filmed at the historic Bijou Theater in Knoxville.

The bond between Parton and Cyrus goes beyond just genealogy; they have a longstanding friendship and have collaborated on several projects. Parton famously played “Aunt Dolly” on Disney Channel’s *Hannah Montana*, where Cyrus starred. Most recently, they teamed up for a fresh duet of Cyrus's hit "Wrecking Ball," included on Parton’s 2023 album, *Rockstar*. They even co-hosted Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party for NBC earlier this year, further solidifying their close-knit relationship.

In a world where family trees can be tangled and surprising, the connection between Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus certainly adds another layer to their already rich and intertwined lives. Stay tuned for more revelations as they both celebrate their legacies this fall!