Kaylah Walton
Miley Cyrus has achieved a remarkable milestone in her career. She has made history by becoming the youngest individual ever to be recognized as a Disney Legend. This prestigious title is bestowed upon individuals who have left a significant mark on the company.
Cyrus rose to fame by portraying Hannah Montana in the beloved Disney Channel series that premiered in 2006. The show, which aired for four seasons until 2011, followed the life of Miley Stewart, a seemingly ordinary teenager who secretly lived a double life as the pop sensation Hannah Montana.
The immense success of the show led to Hannah Montana: The Movie in 2009 and the highly popular Best of Both Worlds tour in 2011.
The emotional ceremony took place at a D23 event in Anaheim, California, where Cyrus was greeted with a standing ovation from the audience.
As she took the stage, visibly moved, she shared her thoughts leading up to the event. Cyrus confessed that she had prepared two speeches – one long, for the strong persona she is expected to portray, and one short, in case she felt nervous – before reminiscing about how Hannah Montana came to life in 2005.
In a humorous tone, she dispelled the rumors surrounding Disney stars, stating that she was not “created in a lab” to be a “Disney kid.”
Cyrus recounted the journey behind the scenes to land the role that would shape a generation, highlighting that she was not the original choice for the iconic character.
“I had a glimpse of what my life could be, and from that moment on, I wanted nothing else,” she expressed.
“Some things have changed, but at the same time, nothing has changed at all. I am still proud to have been Hannah Montana.
“This award is a tribute to Hannah and all her amazing fans, and to everyone who made my dream a reality. In the words of the legend herself, ‘This is the life.’ “
Cyrus was one of the distinguished personalities honored at the event, alongside Angela Bassett, Colleen Atwood, James Cameron, Harrison Ford, and John Williams.
