During the D23 Expo in Anaheim on Sunday night, Miley Cyrus was honored as the youngest-ever Disney Legend, an esteemed title given to those who have significantly influenced the Disney heritage. This prestigious acknowledgment signifies a major achievement in Cyrus's remarkable career, which started with her portrayal of Hannah Montana, as reported by Variety. The event included a special introduction by Lainey Wilson, who energetically performed The Best of Both Worlds, a hit from Hannah Montana. After the performance, Wilson praised the 31-year-old Cyrus for her courage and genuineness, noting, "Miley, I want to thank you for never being afraid to step outside the box, always staying true to yourself, and most importantly, always kicking butt," as reported by Variety. In her acceptance speech, Cyrus openly discussed the fears and obstacles associated with success. "I'm gonna let everybody get on a little Disney Legend secret. I'm the one that tells you what you're not supposed to know. And what I want to say, is that legends get scared, too. I'm scared right now, but the difference is we do it anyway, and all of you can do that every single day. It's legendary to be afraid and do it anyway. There is no such thing as failure when you try," she stated, according to Variety.
Looking back on her time with Disney, Cyrus humorously mentioned the company's decision to bring her on board in 2005 to help revitalize the brand. "In 2005, Disney was on a mission to rebuild the company. That's why they hired Bob Iger and me," she quipped. She expressed her pride in her role as Hannah Montana, dedicating the award to the character and her dedicated fans. "This award is dedicated to Hannah and all of her amazing, loyal fans, and to everyone who has made my dream a reality. To quote the legend herself, 'This is the life,'" she added, referencing the iconic song from the series, as reported by Variety. The ceremony also recognized other notable figures, including costume designer Colleen Atwood, actress Angela Bassett, Disney Parks cast member Martha Blanding, and filmmaker James Cameron, among others. Disney's Legends awards honor those who have made substantial contributions to the company's legacy. Cyrus's connection with Disney began in her teenage years with the popular series Hannah Montana, which not only led to a successful world tour and a feature film but also cemented her place in the hearts of millions. The show still holds the record for the highest-rated basic cable series telecast, with a 2007 episode attracting 10.7 million viewers, according to Variety. Cyrus also voiced Penny in Disney's Bolt and received a Golden Globe nomination for her song from the film. Despite shifting her image with hits like We Can't Stop and Wrecking Ball, she returned to her Disney roots with the 2023 Disney+ special, Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions).
