Emily Osment Reveals Scheduling Conflict That Kept Her From ‘Hannah Montana’ Anniversary Special
Emily Osment was forced to skip the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special on Disney+ due to a scheduling conflict with her show Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage.
The actress, 34, shared the update with fans via a Monday, March 23, Instagram video, in which she and her Georgie and Mandy co-star Montana Jordan chatted in between takes on the set of their CBSsitcom.
“That’s why I was not able to be a part of the 20-year reunion because we are here shooting our show,” Osment explained. “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.”
In the caption of her Instagram post, Osment—who played Miley Stewart’s (Miley Cyrus) best friend Lilly Truscott on the Disney Channel series—elaborated on her enduring love for the show that facilitated her big break.
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“Hannah Montana changed my life,” she wrote. “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.”
Osment then reflected on her special bond with fans of the show, including Jordan, 23.
“I’ve met thousands of HM fans over the years, fans that now have children watching this show and fans that literally work beside me every day, like Montana. He’s seen every episode, don’t be fooled,” she continued. “I can’t tell you what your sweet messages mean to me and how lucky I feel to have been apart [sic] of this once in a generation goliath of a television show.”
Osment concluded with a message of gratitude as Hannah Montana celebrates its milestone anniversary.
“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,” she added. “With all my heart, THANK YOU! [Love,] Lilly.”
Osment starred alongside Cyrus, 33, Jason Earles (Jackson Stewart), Billy Ray Cyrus (Robby Ray Stewart) and Mitchel Musso (Oliver Oken) on Hannah Montana. The Disney Channel series aired for four seasons from March 2006 to January 2011 and spawned the 2009 feature film Hannah Montana: The Movie.
The Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special is set to premiere on Disney+ on Tuesday, March 24. Ahead of its debut, Miley and Billy Ray, 64, were confirmed to appear in the special, while other main cast members’ involvement remained a mystery.
Since Hannah Montana, Osment’s acting career has continued to flourish, with roles on TV comedies such as Young and Hungry and Young Sheldon. She and Jordan now lead Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage as the titular couple. The sitcom is currently airing its second season and has already been renewed for season 3.
The Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special premieres on Disney+ Tuesday, March 24.
This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
