 However , Cyrus later desired to resume writing , saying she " knew what [ her ] heart wanted to say , and whatever is in [ her ] heart finds its way to [ her ] fingertips . " Moreover , she desired for her grandfather to listen to the song before passing away . Although Cyrus was never able to sing it for him , her father played a quick cut of " I Miss You " for Ron towards the end of his life . The singer said she liked to believe that the song gave her grandfather hope , in a similar fashion which he gave and continues to give hope to her . At the age of 70 , Ron Cyrus died on February 28 , 2006 , two days prior the red carpet premiere of Hannah Montana . In the episode " She 's a <unk> " , Cyrus sang a part of the song as Miley Stewart , in memory of the character 's late mother . Cyrus then recorded the song for her debut album , Meet Miley Cyrus . The singer believed that , despite having personal significance to her , " I Miss You " could have a variety of meanings for distinct people in divergent situations , including moving away from home , the loss of a parent , or a breakup in a romantic relationship . 
