Miley Cyrus willed the Hannah Montana anniversary special "into existence".

The 33-year-old pop star played the titular character in the hit Disney sitcom between 2006 and 2011, and Miley started discussing the prospect of making a 20th anniversary special before being approached about the idea.

She told Variety: "I learned this terrible habit -- but I actually think it was good advice -- from Dolly [Parton]. 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.

"I think even Disney sometimes forgets the connection between me and Hannah.

"It's not just a TV show. I see daily how important Hannah is to people. When I travel, people bring me 'Hannah' merch. They ask, 'Are you ever going to do another season?'"

Miley ultimately started sending fan reactions to the idea to Disney.

Charlie Andrews, a Disney executive who helps to foster new fandoms for old Disney Channel shows, explained: "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."

Miley has already enjoyed huge success in her career as a singer and as an actress, and she doesn't have any intention of trying to distance herself from her past work.

The pop star said: "A lot of artists feel like to become the next version of themselves, they have to leave something behind.

"But I'd rather be more like a gorgeous patchwork blanket. I'd rather take every little piece of all the things that I've been and create a mosaic of exactly who I am now -- not trashing any of that past but allowing it to come with me."

Miley previously admitted that she feels "very proud" of Hannah Montana.

She said: "Hannah Montana will always be a part of who I am. What started as a TV show became a shared experience that shaped my life and the lives of so many fans, and I'll always be thankful for that connection.

"The fact that it still means so much to people all these years later is something I'm very proud of. This 'Hannahversary' is my way of celebrating and thanking the fans who've stood by me for 20 years."