Country music legend Billy Ray Cyrus is sharing his honest thoughts on his daughter, Miley Cyrus, dropping their famous last name. He addressed the situation on Instagram, saying he’s not surprised that Miley, who rose to fame as Miley Stewart on “Hannah Montana,” has gone this route. His comments come a day after Miley revealed her 10th studio album, “Bass Persuades,” drops September 18, 2026.
Billy Ray shared an image on Instagram of himself with two of his children and addressed the news that Miley is officially going by her first name in the caption. “Family means more than ever now,” he said. “I always called my little girl Miley. Just … Miley. Just like I always called my little boy Braison.’”
Billy Ray, whose chart-topper “Achy Breaky Heart” launched him into superstardom, said that in the past, he used to go by just “Cyrus” before saying how he really feels about his daughter dropping their last name. “I told Miley yesterday I felt good about her going with her first name.”
He went on to say that Miley going with her first name is on brand before mentioning other stars who have done the same, such as Dolly Parton and Cher. “Thinkin’ about it more and more … Elvis … Prince … and so on.”
Billy Ray Cyrus Is Looking Forward To Miley’s New Album
Billy Ray said that Miley’s decision felt like a “natural progression for an iconic superstar legend.” As he wrapped up his post, Billy Ray said that he was looking forward to Miley’s new album, which the singer teased in a new Instagram post yesterday, according to The Blast.
According to Miley, the new project will explore various themes, such as “heartache” and “every part of life in between.” She finished, “That’s what the title means to me. Thank you for being a part of making my wildest dreams come true. I sincerely hope you love this album. [Love] Miley.”
Miley Cyrus Teased Her Album Just Weeks Ago
In addition to releasing a new album, Miley is also returning to the stage to headline her first solo show since 2022. The two performances will take place in Los Angeles in October.
“It’s been a while,” she said about the upcoming shows. “The Hollywood Bowl is my favorite place to experience music and see my favorite artists. I’ve sat in those seats many times, but I’ve never taken the stage. LA is my heart, and I’m bringing it home. See you there. Miley.”
Miley has kept the album details under wraps, but she teased more about the project in a previous interview.
“There is definitely a romantic thread weaving through it because, like all my records, it’s a reflection of where I am in my life. But this one feels especially meaningful because this feeling has stayed with me through multiple eras,” she said.
Billy Ray And Miley Have An Up-And-Down Relationship
Billy Ray’s candid confession is likely a welcome one from Miley, considering the pair have had an up-and-down relationship for years. In a previous interview with GQ, Billy Ray opened up about the toll filming “Hannah Montana” had on his family.
“Oh, it’s huge — it destroyed my family. I’ll tell you right now — the d-mn show destroyed my family,” he said. “I hate to say it, but yes, I do. Yeah. I’d take it back in a second.”
Miley Is Mourning The Loss Of Someone Special To Her
The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts.
What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then… pic.twitter.com/VFV6MohLto
— MILEY (@miley) August 26, 2026
Days before Miley began rolling out her next album, the singer mourned the loss of her godmother, Dolly Parton, on social media. The “Jolene” singer died at 80 after a brief battle with cancer.
“The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. Our most sacred moments were private, and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts,” Miley wrote about Parton online. “What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong. I have an angel by my side. I always have. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis.”
