Country icon Dolly Parton has praised both goddaughter Miley Cyrus and 'I Knew You Were Trouble' superstar Taylor Swift for both standing their ground in such a demanding industry. 

Speaking to Britain's Telegraph newspaper, Parton explained that child stars need that period of rebellion to break out of the image people have of them: "She had to make her statement because people wouldn’t let her grow up. Just like people wouldn’t let Shirley Temple grow up."

She then confessed that she also admires the strength and self-assurance of country-pop crossover star Taylor Swift, who made an impressive transition from being a teenager new onto the scene to an established and respected artist: "But I promise you that she’ll surprise the world with her talent through the years. Taylor Swift is very clever and really knows how to handle herself. I admire them both."

The 'Jolene' legend went onto add that Cyrus comes from a country background so her ballsy nature is an extension of her upbringing: “Well, Miley does have that ’ole time feeling from her daddy [Billy Ray] and the way he grew up. Through her grandparents in Kentucky she is connected to that earthy feeling and attitude.”

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Watch Cyrus cover one of Parton's great hits below: