Emily Osment, the bubbly actress who brought best friend Lilly Truscott to life alongside Miley Cyrus‘s double-identity star in the iconic series Hannah Montana, has shared why fans won’t see her at the show’s big 20th anniversary celebration. The beloved sitcom, which aired from 2006 to 2011 and captured the hearts of a generation with its catchy tunes, teen drama, and family vibes, marks two decades since its premiere on March 24, 2006. While the reunion special drops today, March 24, 2026, Osment’s absence stems from work commitments, but she made sure to send love to fans and castmates alike.
Filming keeps her occupied
Osment, now 34, explained her situation straight from the set. In a March 23 Instagram video, she chatted with her Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage co-star Montana Jordan between takes on the sitcom. “That’s why I was not able to be a part of the 20-year reunion because we are here shooting our show,” she said in the video.She stressed there are no hard feelings. “But I wanted to say hello and thank you to everybody that has stuck by us for all these years. I’m so grateful that you guys all still love the show. I’m so proud to be a part of it,” Osment added in that same Instagram video shared on March 23.
Lasting lessons from the show
Osment reflected deeply on how Hannah Montana shaped her. In her Instagram post from March 23, she wrote, “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.”She poured out gratitude to fans. “Thank you for letting me into your living rooms and I hope to still be there many years from now. Would never be where I am without you guys, working on another beautiful show I love so dearly. With all my heart, THANK YOU! Lilly,” she shared in the Instagram caption.“I can’t express how much your kind messages mean to me and how fortunate I feel to have been involved in this once-in-a-generation television phenomenon,” she continued in the post.
Special highlights
The Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special still packs nostalgia. Miley Cyrus hosts, with Billy Ray Cyrus joining, live performances of hits like “The Best of Both Worlds” and “The Climb,” plus archival footage and recreated sets like the famous closet.Cyrus teased its creation in a March 18 Variety interview. “I picked up this terrible habit, but I think it was advice from Dolly [Parton]. She advised that if you want something to happen, will it before it exists. That way, no one can say no. So, I began a Hannah 20-ann special that literally had no foundation,” she said.Osment plans to catch it later. Though some reports note she might feel emotional, her words show pure pride and joy for the milestone.
