Dolly Parton Jokes It’s ‘Not Fair’ Miley Cyrus Snagged a Song That Should Have Been Hers—and Fans Agree!

Cyrus has been topping the charts since her teen days as Hannah Montana, and she shows no signs of slowing down. Her 2023 single, “Used To Be Young” was a sensation upon its release, rising to No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song details reflecting on the past but also knowing the future has so much to offer.

“This song is about honoring who we’ve been, loving who we are, and celebrating who we will become,” Cyrus said of the song. “I feel proud when reflecting on my past and optimistic when thinking about the future.”

But while the song was an anthem for Cyrus and her loyal fans, Cyrus’ godmother Dolly Parton had some different opinions on the tune. Cyrus shared Parton’s views on her hit song.

“She goes, ‘I don’t know if I like that new “Used to Be Young” song because it’s not fair that you’re singing about not being young when you’re young and beautiful,’” Cyrus explained. “’And here I am—I’m like 80—and I’m like, That should have been my song!’”

Parton does have a point and it seems some of her fans agree. One Reddit user wrote, “It would be so cool if Dolly covered that song. I would pay to hear it,” while another said, “Now I want a Dolly cover of it!!!”

But Cyrus has lived quite a life in only 32 years: she was born into fame as country star Billy Ray Cyrus’ daughter, only to become a massive teen star herself in 2006 when she landed the role of Hannah Montana. From then on, she was the queen of Disney Channel, living her double life as Miley and Hannah Montana on-screen and off.

Following her reign on Disney, Cyrus went on to revamp her career with her Bangerz album and again with her following albums Younger Now (2017), Plastic Hearts (2020) and Endless Summer Vacation (2023). Throughout her career, Cyrus’ personal life has been an emotional rollercoaster, with her on-and-off relationship with ex-husband Liam Hemsworth.

Cyrus had second thoughts after releasing the song

In the emotional ballad, Cyrus shares her personal feelings on growing up and what it is like to look back on a full life. But looking back at the song now, nearly a year since its release, the singer finds herself questioning the reason she shared it.

“I actually listened to that song yesterday, and I was asking myself, ‘Did I really need to put this out?’ It was one of those things that maybe now that I’m a bit more private, I would’ve kept private, but I’m happy to have shared it,” Cyrus explained. “It just feels like a song that’s so personal that it’s hard for people to relate.”

But despite Cyrus infusing the lyrics with her own personal experiences, “Used To Be Young” is a song relatable for many of her fans. For those who have followed Cyrus since her early career, they know how quickly things can change. And Cyrus knows it too. 

Upon the song’s release in 2023, Cyrus shared her thoughts about the song. She wrote in an Instagram post, “These lyrics were written almost 2 years ago at the beginning of my ESV. It was at a time I felt misunderstood… The time has arrived to release a song that I could perfect forever. Although my work is done, this song will continue to write itself every day. The fact it remains unfinished is a part of its beauty. That is my life at this moment… unfinished yet complete.”