Ancestry.com recently unveiled a surprising revelation about the family connection between iconic country singer Dolly Parton and renowned pop star Miley Cyrus. The genealogy-tracking website disclosed that the legendary 78-year-old musician and the 31-year-old artist are distantly related, sharing a common ancestor in John Brickey, who resided in Tennessee in the 18th century. According to the research, John Brickey, born in 1740, serves as Parton's sixth great-grandfather and Cyrus' seventh great-grandfather, ultimately making the two talented women seventh cousins, once removed.

Upon receiving the news about their familial link, Dolly Parton expressed her astonishment and delight during an interview with Access Hollywood, stating, "Is that true? That's amazing! We're so close, Miley and I. I would've thought we'd have been at least third cousins, 10 times removed." Reflecting on the connection, Parton added, "It doesn't surprise me because she does feel like family." The unexpected revelation serves as a heartwarming discovery for both artists who have shared a strong bond not only as collaborators but also as close friends.

The timing of this genealogical unveiling coincides with Dolly Parton's forthcoming album release, 'Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA - Family, Faith & Fables,' set to debut in November. The project will delve into the musician's ancestral roots in the Smoky Mountain region, featuring performances from various generations of her family. Additionally, a docuseries of the same title is in the works, exploring Parton's family history with filmed performances at Knoxville's Bijou Theater. This captivating exploration of her lineage will shed light on the rich tapestry of her family's past, further strengthening the bond between these talented relatives.