Hannah Montanamay owe her comeback to another famous blonde.
Miley Cyrus, who's reviving her pop star alter ego in anupcoming Disney+ special, revealed how her godmother, country music legendDolly Parton, inspired the anniversary project.
Parton, 80, has a decades-long friendship with Cyrus' parents,Billy Ray CyrusandTish Cyrus-Purcell, and guest starred on three episodes of "Hannah Montana" during the series' 2006-2011 run.
"I learned this terrible habit — but I actually think it was good advice — from Dolly," Cyrus said in an interview withVarietypublished Wednesday, March 18. "She told me that if you want something to happen, promote it before it exists. Then no one can say no."
And that's exactly what Cyrus did.
In the months leading up to the 20th anniversary of the "Hannah Montana" premiere, which takes place March 24, the Grammy-winning pop singer, 33,began teasing a celebration.
"I want to design something really, really special for it because it really was the beginning of all of this," Cyrus said in aJuly interview with SiriusXM. "Without Hannah, there wouldn't really be this me."
Miley Cyrus attends the "Something Beautiful" premiere during the 2025 Tribeca Festival at Beacon Theatre on June 06, 2025, in New York City. " style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Miley Cyrus visits the SiriusXM studios in Los Angeles on July 15, 2025." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Miley Cyrus visits the SiriusXM studios in Los Angeles on July 15, 2025." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Miley Cyrus attends Maybe It's a Maybelline x Miley Launch Party at Bar Marmont on Oct. 24, 2025." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Miley Cyrus attends Vogue World: Hollywood 2025 at Paramount Studios on Oct. 26, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. " style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> Happy birthday, Miley Cyrus! See her go from Hannah Montana to Grammy winner
Miley Cyrus attends the "Something Beautiful" premiere during the 2025 Tribeca Festival at Beacon Theatre on June 06, 2025, in New York City.
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The comments soon led to serious discussions with Disney about a revival.
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"I just started promoting a 'Hannah Montana' 20th anniversary special that literally did not exist," Cyrus told Variety, adding that she would send fan reactions to Disney executives. "I'm telling you, this would be huge."
Disney executive Charlie Andrews told the outlet that Cyrus "willed" the anniversary special "into existence."
"The thing she was adamant about is that this is for the fans," Andrews said. "That has gone into literally every decision she has made."
"Hannah Montana," which centered on the double life of schoolgirl Miley Stewart and her stage persona, launched Cyrus to real-life music stardom. The show spawned multiple platinum-selling soundtracks, as well as the headlining Best of Both Worlds Tour, which grossed over $54 million.
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The Emmy-nominated teen comedy also served as a vehicle for Cyrus' burgeoning pop music career. Her debut album,"Meet Miley Cyrus,"was released as a double disk alongside the"Hannah Montana 2"soundtrack in 2007.
The"Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special"will be hosted by "Call Her Daddy" podcasterAlex Cooperand featuremusical performancesfrom Cyrus, as well as appearances from her parents.
The special isset to premiereon Disney+ on March 24.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Miley Cyrus says Dolly Parton 'habit' inspired Hannah Montana revival
