Legendary actress Dolly Parton graces the latest cover of Marie Claire and talks to fellow legend RuPaul (opens in new tab) about her career, family, and goddaughter Miley Cyrus. Parton told RuPaul that she recognized Cyrus' talent from a young age, saying, "We all need to be true to ourselves.

"I love Miley. I think she's great. She's out there and she's taking chances. I love that she's true to herself and she's willing to try new things and do anything," Parton said of her goddaughter. 'I've always loved her since she was little and knew she was special. She had a light about her. Her glow, her smile, and her eyes were always full of wonder."

The country legend recalled that Cyrus' talent was especially evident when she appeared on "Hannah Montana" (with Parton as a guest star). 'When she was on that little show, I saw what great timing she had and what a great little comedian she was. But I always knew she would write little songs on her little left-handed guitar." I guess Billy Ray is left-handed. So she kind of grew up with us. Billy and I, Billy Ray, her father, we were friends, we worked together, we did shows together, we traveled together. But I knew she was going to be successful. I knew she was a star."

Regarding Cyrus's "wild" public image, RuPaul asked Parton: "I don't think she's wild. No, she didn't have to be that wild. But I think that's fine for her. I am wild in my own way. I have my own little thing, my own personality, and I think that's what it is, too"

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"We all need to be true to ourselves, and I think that's what she does," Parton continued. 'I think that's the key to being successful as a human being and as an entertainer. You have to know what your talents are and what your limitations are. But I think you have to have the courage to challenge yourself."

"One of my favorite sayings about myself, and I made it up, is that the desire to do something is always greater than the fear of it," Parton said. 'So I think Miley gets out there a lot. That's why I think Miley goes out a lot, and that's why I think she tries to walk the tightrope a lot. But how else can you know? And I take chances, too. We just do it in different ways. But I think she is a professional. I think she's very talented and I think she's beautiful."