Emily OsmentThe bubbly actress who came to life alongside her best friend Lilly Truscott Miley CyrusThe dual-identity star of the iconic Hannah Montana series has opened up about why fans won’t be seeing her during the show’s big 20th anniversary celebration. The beloved sitcom that aired from 2006 to 2011 and captured the hearts of a generation with its catchy tunes, teen drama and family atmosphere has completed two decades since its premiere on March 24, 2006. While the reunion special goes down today, March 24, 2026, Osment’s absence stems from work commitments, but he made sure to send love to fans and fellow cast members.
Filming keeps him busy
Osment, now 34 years old, explained his situation directly from the set. In a March 23 Instagram video, she chatted with her Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage co-star Montana Jordan while taking in the sitcom. “That’s why I couldn’t be a part of the 20-year reunion because we’re here filming our show,” he said in the video.He insisted there are no hard feelings. “But I want to say hello and thank you to everyone who’s been there for us all these years. I’m so grateful that you all still love the show. I’m so proud to be a part of it,” Osment added in an Instagram video shared on March 23.
The show’s lasting lessons
Osment thought deeply about how she shaped Hannah Montana. In a March 23 Instagram post, she wrote: “Hannah Montana changed my life, gave me a lifelong respect for the comedy medium, taught me discipline, patience, timing and respect working in such a young adult space.”He thanked the fans. “Thank you for letting me into your living room and I hope to be there many years from now. I would never be where I am without you guys, working on another beautiful show that I love so much. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU! Lilly,” she shared in her Instagram caption.“I cannot express how much your kind messages mean to me and how blessed I feel to have been a part of this once-in-a-generation television phenomenon,” she continued in the post.
Special highlights
The Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special is still nostalgic. Miley Cyrus joins Billy Ray Cyrus in live performances of hits like “The Best of Both Worlds” and “The Climb,” as well as archive footage and recreated sets like the famous wardrobe.Cyrus teased her creation in a March 18 Variety interview. “I got into this horrible habit, but I think it was Dolly’s advice [Parton]. He advised that if you want something to happen, it will happen before it exists. That way, no one can say no. So I started a 20-year-old Hannah special that literally had no foundation,” she said.Osment plans to catch up later. While some reports indicate that the emotion can be felt, his words show pure pride and joy for the milestone.
