During a chat with Jo Whiley on BBC Radio 2, Beck recounted that he met Parton long before fame entered his life, not through music but because a family friend was getting married and the reception happened to be at Parton’s home. He described growing up in a modest environment and noted that he had likely never even set foot in Beverly Hills. Upon entering Parton’s house, he found her warmth and hospitality to be strikingly generous.
He remembered feeling astonished by her friendliness toward him and his brother, almost as if she had mistaken them for someone else. Parton’s genuine kindness overwhelmed him, especially since such warmth and openness weren’t common in his everyday life. He recalled that, despite hosting many Hollywood luminaries, she was wholly focused on the two youngsters in front of her.
Beck, who grew up in Los Angeles, is the son of performance artist Bibbe Hansen and musician David Campbell.
Meanwhile, Miley Cyrus recently opened up about her last conversation with Parton, the woman she regarded as her godmother. In an interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, Miley, now 33, described that final talk as the moment she told Parton about her new record. She emphasized that their differences had long been a source of strength between them, pointing out that their contrasting paths somehow complemented one another because Dolly understood her in ways others did not.
The Flowers singer framed Parton’s enduring appeal as rooted in authenticity. Miley explained that Parton was often associated with glamour—the hair, makeup, and stage show—but there was a core to her that drew people in: a genuine and sincere nature. Reflecting on how Dolly influenced her own life, Miley alluded to the era of Hannah Montana, explaining that much of her existence revolved around presenting a persona.
She credited Dolly with helping her navigate life while portraying Hannah Montana in the Disney Channel sitcom, where Dolly played Aunt Dolly, the fictional godmother of Miley Stewart, a reflection of their real-life bond. Miley remarked that having Dolly in her life taught her that it’s possible to maintain a public persona while staying true to who you are, a lesson she said she learned because of Dolly.
In her own words, Miley described the complexity of persona and authenticity, noting that her public self could feel markedly different from her private self—yet the essence remained, just tucked away at times. The Jolene icon’s influence, she hinted, extended beyond the screen to guide her through real-life choices and identity.
The interview underscored how Dolly Parton’s legacy continues to shape the lives of those who knew her and those who grew up admiring her, illustrating the profound impact of a figure who could be both larger than life and astonishingly real.
