Miley Cyrus Tears Up While Being Named Youngest-Ever Disney Legend for Work as Hannah Montana

Miley Cyrus was awarded Disney Legend status recently for her work with the company, most notably as Hannah Montana on the eponymous Disney Channel show. She came out on stage during the D23 convention recently, an annual gathering of Disney mega-fans, and shared her thoughts about the honor.

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Speaking to the crowd and getting emotional, she admitted that she is “still proud to have been Hannah Montana,” per a report from the BBC. It has now been 18 years since Hannah Montana first aired in 2006, when Cyrus was only 13. She was serenaded on stage by Lainey Wilson, a former Hannah Montana impersonator, who sang one of the show’s theme song, “The Best of Both Worlds.”

Miley Cyrus also told that crowd that “a little bit of everything has changed” since she portrayed the secret pop star. At the same time, she added, “nothing has changed at all.” Catch a clip of her emotional speech, per Good Morning America.

[RELATED: Watch: Lainey Wilson Perform “The Best of Both Worlds” During Miley Cyrus’ Disney Legend Induction]

Miley Cyrus Shared Memories of Hannah Montana While Being Awarded Disney Legend Status

While accepting her award and Disney Legend status, Miley Cyrus shared memories of her time on the show. During the series’ run, she portrayed teenager Miley, who moonlighted as the pop star Hannah Montana. No one knew her secret identity (until later, however), so she was able to carry out a semi-normal teenage life. Additionally, her father on the show was played by her real-life dad, Billy Ray Cyrus.

“We needed footage of [Hannah Montana] playing sold out concerts but no one knew who she, aka Miley, was,” said Miley Cyrus, sharing memories of the show with the gathered crowd. Apparently, the crew gave tickets away at a local mall, “where I would have my first free concert,” Cyrus added.

“In reality I was a little girl in a blonde wig at the mall with a big dream,” she continued, “But in my heart I was Hannah Montana and I was so proud to be.”

Cyrus concluded by dedicating her award to her character. “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. “To quote the legend herself, ‘This is the life.’”

Featured Image by Netflix/Everett/Shutterstock

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