Miley Cyrus receives Disney Legend honor, reflects on her time as Hannah Montana with gratitude.
Miley Cyrus has expressed her heartfelt appreciation for her iconic role as Hannah Montana after being named a Disney Legend. The 31-year-old singer and actress received the honor at the D23 Expo on Sunday, August 11, making her the youngest recipient of the prestigious award.
In an Instagram post shared on Monday, August 12, Cyrus reflected on her time as the beloved teen pop star character, writing, “Thank you. Such an honor to be inducted as a Disney Legend. This award is dedicated to Hannah Montana and all of her fans. You’ve shown me legendary love & loyalty. Forever grateful.”
The post was accompanied by a video of Cyrus at the D23 event in Anaheim, California, where she accepted the Disney Legend title. The video included footage of her making handprints in cement, a tradition for honorees, and being joined by Mickey Mouse for photos.
During the ceremony, Cyrus appeared emotional as she took to the stage to accept her award. In her speech, she reminisced about her beginnings with “Hannah Montana,” a role that she landed in 2005 when she was just a teenager. With a tear in her eye, she joked that she “definitely wasn’t created in a lab” as a “Disney kid,” acknowledging that the role wasn’t initially meant for her.
“I had gotten a taste of what my life could be, and from that moment on, I did not want anything else,” Cyrus shared with the audience. She went on to express her pride in having played the character, saying, “I stand here still proud to have been Hannah Montana.”
Cyrus dedicated her award to the character and her fans, recognizing their loyalty and support throughout the years. “In so many ways, this award is dedicated to Hannah and all of her amazing loyal fans, and to everyone who has made my dream a reality,” she said. She ended her speech with a nod to a famous line from the show, adding, “To quote the legend herself, ‘This is the life.'”
The event also featured a special tribute performance by country singer Lainey Wilson, who introduced Cyrus with a message and a rendition of the “Hannah Montana” theme song, “Best of Both Worlds.”
Miley Cyrus first rose to fame in 2006 when she starred as Miley Stewart, a teenager living a double life as the famous pop star Hannah Montana, on the Disney Channel series of the same name. The show became an instant hit and ran for four seasons, concluding in 2011. In addition to the series, Cyrus starred in “Hannah Montana: The Movie” in 2009 and headlined the “Best of Both Worlds” tour.
Cyrus’s journey from a Disney Channel star to an international pop sensation has been remarkable, and her Disney Legend honor is a testament to her impact on fans and the entertainment industry. As she continues to evolve in her career, Cyrus remains forever grateful for the role that started it all.