Billy Ray Cyrus is remembering Dolly Parton not simply as a country music legend, but as a woman who had been part of his life for decades.

Following Dolly’s death at 80 on August 25, Billy Ray shared an emotional tribute reflecting on the friendship they built after becoming close in the early 1990s. Their bond eventually became a family connection, with Dolly becoming Miley Cyrus’ godmother.

But one part of Billy Ray’s tribute stood out.

He revealed that Dolly had recently sent him a deeply personal message.

According to Billy Ray, Dolly told him that she loved him “with her whole heart.” His response after her death was just as emotional: he said he would always love her the same way — with his whole heart.

Billy Ray also looked back on a much lighter memory from 1992. At the height of his Achy Breaky Heart fame, tabloids began spreading rumors about him and Dolly. Billy Ray recalled going into her dressing room to apologize.

Dolly’s reaction was classic Dolly: instead of becoming angry, she reportedly winked and joked that the gossip helped sell records.

That mixture of humor, kindness and affection appears to be exactly how Billy Ray wants to remember her.

After more than three decades of friendship, Dolly’s final private words to him were remarkably simple.

She loved him with her whole heart.

And now, those words mean more than he ever could have imagined.