Miley Cyrus named youngest Disney Legend for role as Hannah Montana

Many child stars try to distance themselves from the roles that shot them to fame, but Miley Cyrus is not one of those people.

The actress and singer teared up as she was awarded the title of the youngest Disney Legend, an award given to people who have significantly influenced the company, at D23, the company's fan event.

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Cyrus, 31, began her career at Disney in 2006 with the premiere of her show Hannah Montana.

The children's show, which ran for four seasons, detailed the double life of teenager Miley Stewart who moonlighted as popstar Hannah Montana.

Though she took on the role at just age 12, Cyrus joked that she "definitely wasn't created in a lab" as a "Disney kid."

She shared that after going through the years-long casting process, "I had gotten a taste of what my life could be, and from that moment on, I did not want anything else."

The series ended in 2011, but Cyrus reflected, "A little bit of everything has changed... but at the same time, nothing has changed at all. I stand here still proud to have been Hannah Montana,

"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.'"

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The sitcom is still one of Disney's most successful franchises, with the show spawning more profit in the form of merchandise, soundtrack albums, and concert tours where Cyrus would perform both as herself and as her character, donning her iconic blonde wig.

The singer admits that she still has the urge to don it once more, sharing on a 2020 radio show appearance, "You know what honestly, I try to put that wig on all the time,

"She's just in storage collecting dust and I'm ready to whip her out... The opportunity will present itself."

"I definitely would like to resurrect her at some point," Cyrus shared, "She needs a big makeover because she's kinda stuck in 2008, so we'll need to go shopping with Miss Montana."

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