When Miley Cyrus needed a push for a Hannah Montana comeback, she turned to the advice of her godmother, Dolly Parton, even if it sounded a little “terrible” at first.

 

Parton’s tip? Act like what you want already exists. “If you want something to happen, promote it before it exists,” Cyrus recalled in a chat with Variety. “Then no one can say no.”

 

Cyrus took it literally, teasing a Hannah Montana 20th anniversary special before it was even approved. Fans’ enthusiasm quickly proved the idea had legs, the character still resonates deeply, and the demand was undeniable.

 

Thanks to that Dolly-inspired confidence, Disney greenlit the special, which premieres March 24 on Disney+ and Hulu. It will feature classic hits like “The Best of Both Worlds,” “This Is the Life,” and “The Climb,” plus a new song, interviews with Alex Cooper, and reunions with Billy Ray Cyrus, Selena Gomez, and more.

 

What started as a “terrible habit” turned into a fan favorite reality all because Miley listened to Dolly.