NEWSBilly Ray Cyrus Reacts to Daughter Miley Dropping Her Last Name Professionally After Family Feud
Billy Ray Cyrus said he supported Miley's decision to go by one name.
Sept. 5 2026, Published 1:00 p.m. ET
Billy Ray Cyrus backed daughter Miley Cyrus' decision to drop her surname professionally, sharing his thoughts as she prepares to enter a new era with her upcoming album.
"I told @Miley yesterday I felt good about her going with her first name," Billy Ray wrote on X. "I mentioned Dolly and Cher. Thinkin about it more and more … Elvis .. Prince ... and so on. It's a natural progression for an iconic superstar legend. And the legend continues!"
Miley recently revealed her new professional branding alongside the announcement of her 10th studio album, Bass Persuades, which arrives September 18.
Billy Ray Cyrus Always Called Her 'Just Miley'
Miley Cyrus recently decided to drop her last name.
Billy Ray explained that the name change does not feel particularly unfamiliar to him.
"Family means more than ever now. I always called my little girl Miley. Just … Miley," he wrote, then adding of son Braison Cyrus, "Just like I always called my little boy Braison."
He Saw a Connection to His Own Career
Billy Ray Cyrus expressed support for Miley's decision.
Billy Ray also used the moment to recall an earlier chapter of his own career, when he considered performing under a single name.
"I was just CYRUS before 'Achy Breaky Heart' came out in '92," he wrote. "All of my swag and T shirts only read. CYRUS."
He said his record label ultimately insisted on keeping the "Billy Ray" portion of his name.
"Now … if only Mercury / Polygram would have just not insisted on the 'Billy Ray' part and just let me be CYRUS…… I could have done something!!!" he wrote. "Ha ha !!! All good."
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Billy Ray Compared Miley With Music Legends
Billy Ray Cyrus referenced other music greats that went by one name.
Billy Ray pointed to performers who became recognizable through one name, seeing Miley's decision as part of that tradition.
"Looking forward to the new album," he wrote.
Miley announced Bass Persuades on August 31 and said the project explores the emotional extremes of life and love. She will also perform two Hollywood Bowl shows in October.
Miley Previously Addressed Tensions With Her Dad
Billy Ray Cyrus said he was looking forward to Miley's new album.
Billy Ray's endorsement comes after years of speculation about his relationship with Miley and the wider Cyrus family.
Miley addressed those rumors in a May 2025 Instagram Stories post. The "Wrecking Ball" singer acknowledged that she and Billy Ray had experienced "challenges" but said that time had brought healing. She also described her mother, Tish Cyrus, as her "best friend."
The family tensions intensified after Billy Ray and Tish's 2022 divorce following nearly three decades of marriage
