Miley Cyrus was honored as the youngest-ever Disney Legend at the D23 Expo held in Anaheim on Sunday. This award is given to those who have significantly contributed to Disney’s legacy. Cyrus’s career began with her role as Hannah Montana, a show that gained global popularity.
During the ceremony, Lainey Wilson introduced Cyrus with a performance of ‘The Best of Both Worlds’ and praised her for her bravery and authenticity. Cyrus, in her acceptance speech, spoke about the fears and challenges of success, stating that legends experience fear but act anyway.
Cyrus humorously recalled her hiring by Disney in 2005, highlighting the company’s efforts to rebuild at that time. She dedicated the award to her character, Hannah Montana, and her fans, expressing pride in her role.
The event also honored other notable individuals, including costume designer Colleen Atwood, actress Angela Bassett, Disney Parks cast member Martha Blanding, and filmmaker James Cameron.
Cyrus’s association with Disney started during her early teens with ‘Hannah Montana,’ which became a cultural phenomenon. The series led to a successful tour, a feature film, and still holds the record for the highest-rated basic cable series telecast. Cyrus also voiced a character in Disney’s ‘Bolt’ and recently returned to Disney with a 2023 Disney+ special.