Miley Cyrus's theory about August 25 has come true once again, following the death of her godmother Dolly Parton.

It was announced on Tuesday (August 25) that the country singer died aged 80 after a brief battle with cancer.

The Jolene singer shared an unbreakable bond with former Disney star Miley, 33, becoming her godmother in 1992.

Following Dolly's death, Miley paid tribute to her on social media. She wrote: 'I can't believe we just lost the purest soul. Rest in Glory, Dolly. My heart aches.'

But for Miley, the timing of her godmother's death is particularly poignant because August 25 has held a spooky significance throughout her life and career. 

So, why is August 25 important to Miley?

In 2023, while promoting her song Used to Be Young, the singer revealed that she had chosen August 25 as its release date on purpose.

She said: 'I decided to release Used To Be Young on August 25 because this particular date historically has been important to me personally and in my career'.

And she's not wrong. Miley has had several major moments in her life that have fallen on that exact date.

Back in 2010, news broke that she had split with Liam Hemsworth after dating for one year.

Of course, fans will remember how they got back together and eventually got engaged. 

They called off their relationship again in 2014 but later rekindled things.

Miley and Liam got engaged a second time in 2016 before exchanging vows in December 2018.

But they split for good in 2019, with Liam officially filing for a divorce on August 25, citing irreconcilable differences.

On August 25, 2013, she released her single Wrecking Ball, which marked a major turning point in her career.

The track would go on to become her first to hit the pinnacle position on the Billboard Hot 100. 

That same day, she delivered her iconic VMAs performance with Robin Thicke, wearing a nude latex bikini, while twerking and using a giant foam finger provocatively.

Miley later said the controversial performance did more than help jettison her child star image – it helped her grow up.

'Not only was culture changed, but my life and career were changed forever,' she said in a revealing interview for Wonderland's 2018 spring issue.

'It inspired me to use my platform for something much bigger. If the world is going to focus on me and what I am doing, then what I am doing should be impactful and it should be great.'

At the following VMAs, Miley reaffirmed her dedication to helping homeless teens.

The night before, a homeless youth named Jesse Helt accepted an award in her honour at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards.

'I'm just getting started,' she said in a statement shared with E News. 'And I want to make sure my fans are part of helping me to give back and make an impact on this issue – we all have the power to make change happen.'

She continued: 'This is about helping youth, people just like you and me have the opportunity to find their inner power and potential, no matter what their circumstances.'

The song Used to Be Young, which was released on August 25, 2023, was intended to reflect on that period of her life.

Its lyrics include: 'I know I used to be crazy / I know I used to be fun / You say I used to be wild / I say I used to be young.'

She explained that the song was written two years before it was released.

'It was at a time I felt misunderstood. I have spent the last 18 months painting a sonic picture of my perspective to share with you,' she said.

The date August 25 also marks the birthday of her father, Billy, who was born in 1961.

Now, August 25 has taken on another deeply personal meaning for Miley, as it marks the day she lost Dolly.

The pair remained close over the years, with Dolly also appearing alongside Miley in Hannah Montana, where she played Aunt Dolly, and saying of Miley: 'I'm so proud of her, love her and she's just like one of my own.'

The stars even performed together and collaborated musically.  

Dolly's death was first confirmed in an Instagram video posted by her nephew Brian, who also acted as her head of security.

Her private cancer battle was then revealed following the heartbreaking news of her death.

The country music legend's death shocked the world and came after months of health woes that saw her pull out of a string of public appearances, fuelling fan fears for her wellbeing.

Those close to the singer said she had both become increasingly reclusive and secretive about her own ill health in recent months.

And now, Dolly's representatives revealed she died following a 'brief battle with cancer' in a statement to People, though they did not disclose what type of cancer it was.

'Our beloved Dolly Parton spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope and integrity into everything she touched,' the statement read.

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

Her representatives also highlighted the extraordinary reach of Parton's 'unmatched generosity', noting she touched the lives of countless people she would never meet and was always ready to 'offer a helping hand'.

'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.'