Billy Ray Cyrus Plays Dolly Parton’s Love Interest In 1993 Music Video For “Romeo”
on May 18, 2016 • Updated Jan 29, 2023
When it came time for Dolly Parton to pick a leading man for her 1993 song “Romeo,” Billy Ray Cyrus fit the bill. The two country stars got to know each other on tour the previous year, and developed a close relationship that continues to this day. In fact, Billy Ray and Dolly became so close that he asked Dolly to be the godmother to his daughter, Miley.
“Romeo” was included on Dolly’s 31st studio album “Slow Dancing with the Moon.” Written and composed by Dolly herself, the song also features Mary Chapin Carpenter, Pam Tillis, Kathy Mattea, and Tanya Tucker.
The song tells the story of a man who turns heads wherever he goes. However, the narrator wants “Romeo” to know that no one wants to be with him as much as she does, singing:
“Let’s two step to a new step. We’ll keep it all in line. And we’ll call this the Romeo. ‘Cause you’re so mighty fine.“
All of Parton’s gal pals sing along with her, but Billy Ray gets his own standout moment as he sings about dancing to the two step. Toward the end of the song, Billy Ray and Dolly sing together, and the moment is one of pure magic.
Billy Ray also made an appearance in the song’s music video, which shows Dolly and all of her girlfriends hanging out in a bar. Suddenly, Billy Ray’s “Romeo” walks in, and none of the girls can keep their eyes off of him. Dolly admires him from afar until she finally gets the courage to walk up to him and tell him how she feels, and the two end up walking out of the bar arm in arm.
See Billy Ray play the male lead in Dolly’s “Romeo” video below.
