In true southern fashion, Dolly Parton says Miley's cooking needs more bacon grease

Parton joked that her goddaughter's dishes "would have no taste"

By Michael La Corte

Deputy Food Editor

Published February 17, 2023 11:59AM (EST)

Dolly Parton (L) and Miley Cyrus perform onstage during the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on February 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Dolly Parton (L) and Miley Cyrus perform onstage during the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on February 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

It goes without saying that Dolly Parton is an icon through and through. While not to the same degree, her goddaughter Miley Cyrus is a superstar in her own right — and currently has a wildly popular song burning up the charts. While both ladies are masters of singing, acting, social justice causes, ringing in the New Year and much more, they're also well versed in the kitchen.

Well...perhaps not Miley, at least according to Parton.

Miley — who was a vegan for years before shifting to a pescatarian diet, instead — may not be whipping up many dishes for Parton, who noted that her food "would have no taste." Parton spoke with Insider via Zoom to discuss Duncan Hines and her down-home Southern cooking style, which obviously differs from Miley's more streamlined, health-focused fare.

"Even if she cooked me something, I'm sure I'd have to doctor it up a little for myself," Parton added. "I would have to add some bacon grease." 

Of course, seeing as how Parton delivered this quip, it didn't read as "shady" in any capacity, but more like a good-natured ribbing. 


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Parton does state that while "[Miley's] gone through a lot of phrases of being vegetarian or vegan or whatever . . . in the earlier days or when her defenses are down, we still eat that good ol' food like meatloaf."

Parton's line of Duncan Hines foods involves "Fabulously Fudgy" brownie mix and "Sweet Cornbread," plus buttermilk biscuit mix and another brownie flavor.

Bacon, a stalwart ingredient for many, is an especially highly-regarded ingredient in Southern cuisine at large, as noted by its inclusion in this Leslie Jordan family cornbread, as well as it being a fixture on the menu at Reba's Place, Reba McEntire's new restaurant in Oklahoma.


By Michael La Corte

Michael is a food writer, recipe editor and educator based in his beloved New Jersey. After graduating from the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, he worked in restaurants, catering and supper clubs before pivoting to food journalism and recipe development. He also holds a BA in psychology and literature from Pace University.

MORE FROM Michael La Corte


Related Topics ------------------------------------------

Bacon Grease Country Music Dolly Parton Duncan Heinz Miley Cyrus Southern Food Vegan Vegetarian