From his iconic hit “Achy Breaky Heart” to his roles in “Hannah Montana” and the phenomenon of “Old Town Road,” Billy Ray Cyrus has been at the center of numerous pop culture moments. However, in recent years, his presence in the spotlight has diminished. It’s possible that some of the revelations he’s shared over time have played a role in this decline.
One pivotal moment in this shift occurred when Billy Ray’s relationship with Disney took a turn. In 2011, amid his divorce from Tish Cyrus, his personal life was rough. During an interview with GQ, he didn’t mince words, criticizing Hollywood and singling out “Hannah Montana” as a factor in his family’s struggles.
His candid remarks, including regret over his and his daughter’s involvement in the show, didn’t sit well with Disney. Additionally, his assertion that the entertainment industry had been detrimental likely didn’t help his standing in the mainstream.
People Found Billy Ray Cyrus’ Love Story Unconventional
Billy Ray Cyrus’ candid interview with GQ didn’t derail his career. In fact, he made a jubilant return to the mainstream with “Old Town Road,” his collaboration with Lil Nas X. Despite his personal ups and downs, it seemed like things were on the upswing for his family. For instance, during the pandemic, his daughter Miley Cyrus jokingly mentioned FaceTiming him while he was in Nashville.
However, amid the pandemic, Billy Ray’s marriage to Tish Cyrus ended. Yet, in 2022, he revealed that during their separation, he grew closer to his friend-turned-wife, Firerose. While this might not have been unexpected, considering the family’s support for the marriage ending, the story of how they met raised a few eyebrows.
According to Billy Ray’s account to People magazine, he met Firerose while filming “Hannah Montana,” where she was in her early 20s, while he was nearly 50 and working on a Disney show alongside his daughter. Despite the unconventional circumstances, he was enamored with her and supported her career. Their friendship blossomed into a romantic relationship, culminating in marriage.
Miley Cyrus-Billy Ray Relationship Dilemma
Billy Ray Cyrus’ transition from being a beloved TV father to the man who found love on the set of “Hannah Montana” with a significantly younger woman didn’t exactly bolster his public image. While it’s uncertain if this contributed to his strained relationship with Miley Cyrus, it’s a plausible factor.
Reports from Radar Online suggest Miley wasn’t enthusiastic about the relationship, although another source cited by E! News expressed her wish for his happiness. Nevertheless, the strained dynamic between father and daughter has undoubtedly diverted attention from Billy Ray’s professional endeavors.
Miley notably omitted any mention of Billy Ray in her acceptance speech at the 2024 Grammys, a move that didn’t seem to stem from nerves, given her lighthearted closing remark. Furthermore, her Instagram posts expressing gratitude to her loved ones conspicuously excluded any reference to her father.
While this might imply that Billy Ray is still making headlines, it’s more about his personal life than his career projects. However, considering his unexpected collaboration with Lil Nas X on “Old Town Road,” which came after previous family rifts, it’s premature to discount his future endeavors entirely.