Many fans may not be aware that the country music legend Dolly Parton is the godmother of the pop singer Miley Cyrus. During Billboard’s Women in Music event on Thursday night, Cyrus honored her “fairy godmother” Parton by giving her the Hitmaker Award.

“I’ve never met anyone that doesn’t like Dolly Parton. And it’s safe to say if they don’t like her, it’s only because they love her,” said Cyrus, 28. “Dolly Parton has influenced music beyond her own genre.”

“Dolly has paved the way for other women songwriters, encouraging them to take ownership and get the credit that they deserve — an issue many women in the songwriting industry still struggle with today,” she added. “When Elvis sought to record Dolly’s ‘I Will Always Love You,’ Dolly famously said no, keeping control of her song that Elvis wanted half of the publishing royalties to. Slay all day, Dolly.”

Slay all day, Dolly 👏 @MileyCyrus presents the #BBWomenInMusic HITMAKER award to @DollyParton. 🏆

Tune in to the show here: https://t.co/nE4gg2HrVD pic.twitter.com/plINbbvtEr

— billboard (@billboard) December 11, 2020

While accepting her award, Parton made sure to thank her “fairy goddaughter Miley” before shifting to talking about how much this award means to her.

“I’m very appreciative of this. I’ve been with Billboard for so many years, had so many hits on the charts there and I’m very grateful for that,” she said. “Of course, I’m proud of all of the wonderful women in show business that write all of these wonderful songs.”

“I’d like to acknowledge a few — some of them older kind of back in my day. Cindy Walker, who wrote some of the greatest songs ever and of course Loretta Lynn, wonderful wonderful songwriter,” added Parton, 74. “And this day in time, of course, Taylor Swift, she’s just right up there, probably number one. And of course, Brandi Carlile, there’s just so many…I think it’s so important that we acknowledge the women that write and sing in country music. And I think it’s also very important that they take control of their own business.”

From #BBWomenInMusic all the way to Dollywood, @DollyParton accepts the HITMAKER award. 🏆

Tune in to the show here: https://t.co/F7as1fHNno pic.twitter.com/fi3AW0oBIr

— billboard (@billboard) December 11, 2020

Earlier this year, Parton had Cyrus perform with her on her Christmas album “A Holly Dolly Christmas” with the duet “Christmas Is.”

“Dolly reached out about doing a Christmas record with her and only for Dolly Parton do you sing a Christmas carol in July,” Cyrus said. “But she makes physical records and so she had to get it turned in. I was singing about Christmas in the middle of L.A. summer, and only for Dolly.”