In a heartfelt collision of generations and genres, Miley Cyrus and her godmother, country legend Dolly Parton, delivered a show-stopping medley of “Wrecking Ball” and “I Will Always Love You” during the 2022 NFL Thanksgiving Halftime Show. The performance celebrated their close bond and mutual admiration, blending Cyrus’s pop-rock edge with Parton’s timeless country charm.
The duo kicked off with Cyrus’s 2013 smash “Wrecking Ball,” a song about emotional vulnerability. Miley, known for her powerhouse vocals, infused the track with raw intensity, while Parton added playful harmonies and cheeky asides, nodding to their familial rapport. Midway through, the medley shifted seamlessly into Parton’s iconic *“I Will Always Love You,”* a song she wrote in 1973 (later popularized by Whitney Houston). Cyrus paid tribute to her godmother’s legacy, softening her tone to match the ballad’s tender sincerity, while Parton’s signature twang brought the classic back to its country roots.
The performance was more than a musical mashup—it was a symbolic passing of the torch. Parton, a pioneer of storytelling in country music, beamed with pride as Cyrus showcased her vocal range and stage presence, proving her evolution from teen star to rock-influenced icon. The crowd roared as the two embraced, their chemistry radiating warmth and mutual respect.
This duet highlighted the universality of great music, bridging decades and styles. For fans, it was a reminder that while genres may shift, the power of family, legacy, and shared artistry remains unbreakable. As Parton quipped afterward, “Singing with Miley? Honey, that’s just family business—loud, proud, and full of love.”