Miley Cyrus Says She Is ‘Forever Grateful’ to Have Been Hannah Montana After Disney Legend Honor

Hannah Montana will always be close to Miley Cyrus’ heart.

The singer, 31, said she is “forever grateful” for her breakthrough role as the teen pop singer in an Instagram post on Monday, Aug. 12, a day after being named a Disney Legend at D23. 

“Thank you. Such an honor to be inducted as a Disney Legend,” Cyrus wrote in the caption. “This award is dedicated to Hannah Montana and all of her fans. You’ve shown me legendary love & loyalty. Forever grateful.”

Alongside her message, the Disney alum shared a video of herself making her acceptance speech at the event in Anaheim, California, along with a clip making handprints in cement on a plaque in tradition with previous honorees of D23’s Disney Legend honor.

Cyrus was seen at the beginning of the clip signing her name at the top of the plaque before placing her hands in the cement underneath. She was then joined by Mickey Mouse as the pair posed for photos while she held up the plaque. 

On Sunday, Aug. 11, Cyrus appeared very emotional as she appeared onstage to collect her Disney Legend title — making history as the youngest person ever to receive the honor. 

Cyrus recalled in a teary-eyed speech her beginnings of working on Hannah Montana in 2005, joking that she "definitely wasn't created in a lab" as a "Disney kid."

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She also revealed to the audience that she wasn't the first choice to be cast in the role of the iconic Disney character, but added, "I had gotten a taste of what my life could be, and from that moment on, I did not want anything else."

“I stand here still proud to have been Hannah Montana," the "Flowers" singer continued.

"In so many ways, 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. 

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The musician was honored at the ceremony on Sunday with a tribute performance by Lainey Wilson. The country singer introduced the star with a special message and rendition of the Hannah Montana theme song, “Best of Both Worlds.”

Cyrus made her big break playing Hannah Montana on the Disney Channel’s hit show of the same name in 2006. The show followed teenager Miley Stewart (Cyrus) who secretly led a double life as famous pop star Hannah Montana. 

The Disney series continued for four seasons until 2011. In 2009, Cyrus also appeared in Hannah Montana: The Movie and headlined the Best of Both Worlds tour two years later.