Miley Cyrus cries over godmother Dolly Parton then sings Jolene at the Hollywood Bowl

Miley Cyrus got emotional in front of a packed Hollywood Bowl on Friday night as she paused her show to talk about her godmother Dolly Parton.

Parton died of cancer at a Nashville hospital in August.

A moment on the stage

Cyrus took a seat onstage while her band started the opening notes of "Jolene," one of Parton's best-known hits.

Cyrus explained that this venue was the one place she had seen Parton sing in concert.

Cyrus said she could feel Parton next to her on the stage. She described their bond as eternal and said she looked forward to the day they meet again.

Her voice broke as she went on. Through tears she said she missed Parton deeply and could not wait to see her.

Then came Jolene

Once she pulled herself together Cyrus launched into a full performance of "Jolene" in Parton's honor.

The tribute carried extra weight because of how far back the two families go. Parton was very close to Miley's father Billy Ray Cyrus. When Miley was born in 1992 Billy Ray and his former wife Tish Cyrus asked Parton to be her godmother.

Famous faces in the seats

Selena Gomez came out for the show. So did Christina Aguilera.

The two were spotted dancing along to the music while they snacked during the set.