Miley Cyrus says Dolly Parton taught her stage persona as drag

Miley Cyrus said on Apple Music's The Zane Lowe Show that Dolly Parton taught her she could have a persona while still being herself. She described her onstage persona as a form of drag, distinct from her quieter offstage self who feeds her tortoise every morning. The exchange was reported by Billboard on 17 September 2026.