Miley Cyrus has expressed her deep gratitude for her iconic role as Hannah Montana after being honored as a Disney Legend at the D23 Expo on August 11th. At 31, Cyrus became the youngest person to receive this prestigious recognition, marking a significant milestone in her career.
A Heartfelt Tribute- Miley Cyrus
In an Instagram post on August 12th, Miley Cyrus shared her feelings about the honor. “Thank you. Such an honor to be inducted as a Disney Legend,” she wrote. “This award is dedicated to Hannah Montana and all of her fans. You’ve shown me legendary love & loyalty. Forever grateful.” Along with her message, Cyrus posted a video of her acceptance speech and the traditional handprint ceremony at the event in Anaheim, California. The clip showed her signing her name and making handprints in cement, a tradition for D23’s Disney Legend honorees. She was joined by Mickey Mouse for photos, holding up the commemorative plaque with her handprints.
Emotional Acceptance Speech
During the ceremony on August 11th, Miley Cyrus delivered an emotional speech as she accepted her Disney Legend title. She reminisced about her early days working on Hannah Montana, the show that catapulted her to stardom in 2006. Cyrus humorously remarked that she “definitely wasn’t created in a lab” as a “Disney kid” and reflected on how she wasn’t initially the first choice for the role. “I had gotten a taste of what my life could be, and from that moment on, I did not want anything else,” she said. Cyrus concluded her speech with pride in her past role, stating, “I stand here still proud to have been Hannah Montana.”
Celebrating a Legacy
The D23 ceremony also featured a tribute performance by country singer Lainey Wilson, who sang the Hannah Montana theme song “Best of Both Worlds” to honor Cyrus. Wilson introduced Cyrus with a special message, celebrating the impact of Hannah Montana on fans and the entertainment industry. Cyrus’s role as Miley Stewart, a teenager living a double life as pop star Hannah Montana, captivated audiences for four seasons from 2006 to 2011. The show’s success led to Hannah Montana: The Movie in 2009 and a major tour titled Best of Both Worlds.
Miley Cyrus’s induction as a Disney Legend not only highlights her contributions to the Disney legacy but also commemorates the enduring influence of Hannah Montana on a generation of fans. Her heartfelt gratitude and reflections underscore the importance of the show in her life and career, as well as the profound connection she shares with her fans.
