Osment already hinted at her absence back in 2024

For many fans, the beloved show was a defining part of their childhood, so seeing Miley Cyrus slip back into that iconic blonde wig feels like a true full-circle moment.

So it’s easy to see why fans have been left disappointed after learning that co-star Emily Osment, who played Hannah’s best friend Lilly Truscott, won’t be appearing in the upcoming Disney+ anniversary special.

Osment (34) has thanked fans for all their support and love over the years.

The anniversary episode was released on Disney+ yesterday (March 24), and Osment, who starred alongside Miley from 2006 to 2011, shared the news of her absence on Instagram the day before.

The actress, however, did stress there is no bad blood whatsoever between her and any of the cast.

She shared in the video: “I wanted to say hello and thank you to everybody who has stuck by us for all these years.

“So grateful that you guys all still love this show. I'm so proud to be a part of it.”

In the caption, Osment added: “Hannah Montana changed my life, it gave me a lifelong respect for this medium of comedy, it taught me discipline, patience, timing and respect working in an adult space so young.

“I can’t tell you what your sweet messages mean to me and how lucky I feel to have been a part of this once-in-a-generation goliath of a television show.

“Thank you for letting me into your living rooms, and I hope to still be there many years from now.”

In the video alongside her, George & Mandy’s First Marriage co-star Montana Jordan, Emily goes on to explain the reason why she couldn't attend the anniversary special.

She said: "We're at the George & Mandy set, and that's why I was not able to be a part of the 20-year reunion, because we are here shooting our show."

The CBS sitcom is a sequel to Young Sheldon, itself a spinoff of The Big Bang Theory, and follows the love story between Sheldon Cooper’s older brother and a woman 11 years his senior. It was recently renewed for a third season.

However, Osment has long been clear about her stance on returning for a Hannah Montana 20-year reunion, having addressed the topic as far back as 2024.

She told the New York Post at the time: "I’m kind of busy right now. A little busy. Let me get through my wedding and this show [George & Mandy’s First Marriage], and then we’ll talk."

Osment married songwriter Jack Anthony in October 2024, but filed for divorce just five months later, due to irreconcilable differences.

According to Variety, Miley Cyrus began teasing the anniversary special before it had even been officially approved, which may have been one of the reasons Osment’s schedule couldn’t accommodate it.

The star explained to the outlet earlier this month that it was a strategy she picked up from her godmother, Dolly Parton: “I learned this terrible habit - but I actually think it was good advice - from Dolly.

"She told me that if you want something to happen, promote it before it exists. Then no one can say no. So I just started promoting a Hannah Montana 20th-anniversary special that literally did not exist.”

And it clearly paid off, with Disney executive Charlie Andrews confirming as much to the outlet: “She willed it into existence. The thing she was adamant about is that this is for the fans. That has gone into literally every decision she has made.”