Miley Cyrus and her boyfriend Liam Hemsworth went to breakfast at Patys diner in Toluca Lake on Thursday. Miley showed off her bikini tan lines in a short, leopard print dress.

Dolly Parton has defended Miley over her raunchy new image, insisting the teenager is just "trying to find her way."

The 17-year-old star has hit headlines in recent weeks with her saucy onstage antics, which have included flashing her flesh in revealing costumes and simulating a same-sex kiss with a female dancer as she promotes her new album Can't Be Tamed.

However Parton, who has known the youngster for many years, is adamant Miley is just going through a rebellious phase and she shouldn't be judged too harshly.

See more photos of Miley here!