Hannah Montana will always be close to Miley Cyrus’ heart.
The singer, 31, said she is “forever grateful” for her breakthrough role as a teenage pop singer in an Instagram post on Monday, August 12, a day after she was named a Disney Legend at D23.
“Thank you. Such an honor to be inducted into a Disney legend,” Cyrus wrote in the caption. “This award is dedicated to Hannah Montana and all her fans. You showed me legendary love and loyalty. Forever grateful.” Along with her message, the Disney alum shared a video of her giving her acceptance speech at an event in Anaheim, California, along with a video of her leaving handprints in cement on a plaque in the tradition of previous D23 Disney Legend honorees.
Cyrus is seen at the beginning of the clip signing her name on top of the board before placing her hands in the cement below. She was then joined by Mickey Mouse as the pair posed for photos as she held the plaque.
Miley Cyrus cries as she is named youngest Disney legend: ‘I’m standing here proud to have been Hannah Montana’
On Sunday, August 11, Cyrus appeared very emotional as she appeared on stage to claim her title as a Disney Legend – making history as the youngest person ever to receive the honour.
In a teary-eyed speech, Cyrus recalled her beginnings Hannah Montana in 2005, joking that she was “definitely not created in a lab” as a “Disney child”.
The PEOPLE Puzzler has arrived! How fast can you solve it? Play now!
She also revealed to the audience that she wasn’t the first choice to play the iconic Disney character, but added: “I got a taste of what my life could be, and from that moment on, I didn’t want anything else.”
“I’m standing here still proud to be Hannah Montana,” the “Flowers” singer continued.
“In many ways, this award is dedicated to Hannah and all her amazing loyal fans, and everyone who made my dream come true. To quote the legend himself, ‘This is life,'” she added.
Lainey Wilson and Miley Cyrus at D23.
The Walt Disney Company
Lainey Wilson performs ‘Best of Both Worlds’ from Hannah Montana in honor of Miley Cyrus becoming a Disney legend
Never miss a story — subscribe to PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
The musician was honored at the ceremony on Sunday with a performance in honor of Lainey Wilson. The country singer introduced the star with a special message and song performance Hannah Montana theme song, “Best of Both Worlds”.
Cyrus made her big break playing Hannah Montana in the hit Disney Channel series of the same name in 2006. The series followed a teenage Miley Stewart (Cyrus) who secretly led a double life as the famous pop star Hannah Montana.
The Disney series ran for four seasons until 2011. In 2009, Cyrus also appeared in the Hannah Montana: The Movie and headlined the Best of Both Worlds tour two years later.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education