Emily Osment Opens up About Working with Dolly Parton on ‘Hannah Montana’

Emily Osment is looking back fondly on her time working alongside Dolly Parton during the country icon's memorable guest spots on "Hannah Montana." Now, she is sharing what she remembers most about the late singer's presence on set.

Emily Osment is opening up about working with the late Dolly Parton on "Hannah Montana" during the country music legend's guest appearances as the titular character's aunt.

Emily Osment attends CBS Fest 2026 at Paramount Pictures Studios on April 15 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

The actress reflected on the singer's time on the Disney Channel series and one small detail that has stayed with her over the years, sharing the memory during her appearance at the Warner Bros. Television Group's 78th Primetime Emmy Awards Nominees Celebration on September 14.

"Oh man, she was so lovely," Osment said. "She was, if not on time, very early, and she always smelled like magnolias. That's what I remember. She smelled really good."

Parton lent her warmth to "Hannah Montana" in the recurring role of Aunt Dolly — Cyrus' on-screen aunt and real-life godmother.

She appeared in three episodes across the show's run: season 1's "Good Golly, Miss Dolly" (2006), season 2's "I Will Always Loathe You" (2007), and season 4's "Kiss It All Goodbye" (2010).

For many younger fans, those episodes marked their first encounter with Parton, and even now, plenty of millennials and Gen Zers still know her best as Miley's onscreen aunt. It's something even Parton herself acknowledged.

Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton during the season two episode, "I Will Always Loathe You," on "Hannah Montana." | Source: Getty Images

"We just worked so great together. [...] Thanks to her, I had a whole new following of people that were turned on to me," Parton told Vanity Fair in a 2020 interview.

"These young, little kids that were her fans, and kids that were fans of just the whole show, and the other little artists on the show, but here I am, Miley's fairy godmother."

Parton passed away on August 25, 2026, at age 80, following a private battle with cancer. News of her passing was first shared by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, across her social media accounts, with a statement from her team following shortly after.

"Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched. Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand," the statement began.

Dolly Parton attends "Dolly: An Original Musical" fireside chat and press conference at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on January 28, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. | Source: Getty Images

It went on, "Whether it be the hundreds of millions of books donated through her invaluable Imagination Library or funding research that helped create a lifesaving vaccine used around the world, Dolly's unconditional love for all people was the guiding force for her lasting impact"

"After bravely facing a brief battle with cancer, Dolly departed her Earthly life today at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones," the statement concluded.

Dolly Parton attends the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 3, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images

The following day, Cyrus posted an emotional tribute on Instagram to the woman who had inspired her family, friends, and fans for decades.

"What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong. I have an angel by my side. I always have. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis," she continued.

"I will always love her and want to make her proud. My heart breaks for the world, her family and friends who will miss her deeply. We're in this loss together and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things. 💖 @dollyparton," Cyrus concluded.