Life moves fast in Nashville, but it seems to move at warp speed for Billy Ray Cyrus. Honestly, if you’ve tried to keep up with the "Achy Breaky Heart" singer’s marital status lately, you’re probably a bit dizzy. It’s been a whirlwind of 30-year endings, seven-month "nightmares," and brand-new beginnings that have left the famous Cyrus family—and most of the internet—completely divided.
So, who is the current Billy Ray Cyrus wife? As of early 2026, the answer is actually "nobody," though he is very much not single. After a legal battle that felt more like a thriller script than a country song, Billy Ray is officially divorced from his third wife, Firerose. But naturally, in true Billy Ray fashion, he’s already moved on to a high-profile romance with British icon Elizabeth Hurley.
It’s a lot. Let’s break down how we got here, because the details are wilder than you think.
The Firerose Chapter: A Seven-Month "Scam"?
Most people started searching for the new Billy Ray Cyrus wife back in late 2023 when he married an Australian singer named Firerose (legal name Johanna Rose Hodges). They tied the knot on October 10, 2023. It looked like a fairytale on Instagram—lots of ethereal photos, long blonde hair, and acoustic guitars.
Then, the floor fell out.
By May 2024, Billy Ray filed for divorce and an annulment. He didn't just cite "irreconcilable differences." He claimed fraud. He basically told the court that the whole marriage was a "crazy insane scam" designed to get his famous last name.
💡 You might also like: Why the Jordan Is My Lawyer Bikini Still Breaks the Internet
The drama was intense:
- The Allegations: Billy Ray's legal team claimed she misled him about her identity.
- The Audio Tapes: Leaked recordings surfaced of Billy Ray yelling at Firerose, calling her a "dumbass" and an "idiot." It wasn't pretty.
- The Counter-Claims: Firerose fought back, accusing Billy Ray of "coercive control" and claiming he filed for divorce just as she was preparing for a preventative double mastectomy.
By August 2024, the judge signed off. They were done. Firerose walked away with zero dollars in spousal support, though she kept the rights to the music they wrote together. Just recently, in January 2026, she’s been back on social media talking about how "gaslighting thrives in isolation," clearly hinting at her time on the Cyrus farm.
Tish Cyrus: The Foundation That Cracked
You can't talk about a Billy Ray Cyrus wife without talking about Tish. She was the one. For 28 years, Tish Cyrus was the backbone of the family, managing Miley’s career and keeping the brand together. They survived two previous divorce filings (one in 2010 and one in 2013) before finally calling it quits for real in April 2022.
Tish has been incredibly open recently about how hard that split was. On a podcast earlier this month, she admitted she was "just trying to survive" after the divorce, which happened right around the same time her mother passed away. She described it as a total psychological breakdown.
While Billy Ray was chasing "soulmates" in the recording studio, Tish found stability with Prison Break actor Dominic Purcell. They married in August 2023. The contrast between the two exes couldn't be sharper. Tish seems to have found peace, while Billy Ray’s personal life remains a bit of a lightning rod for controversy.
📖 Related: Pat Lalama Journalist Age: Why Experience Still Rules the Newsroom
The 2026 Update: Enter Elizabeth Hurley
If you're looking for the woman currently by his side, it's Elizabeth Hurley. Yeah, that Elizabeth Hurley.
They went public in 2025, and by all accounts, they are still going strong in 2026. They spent Christmas 2025 together, with Elizabeth posting shots of Billy Ray hanging out with her son, Damian. It’s a pairing nobody saw coming, but in the world of celebrity rebounds, it’s definitely one of the most glamorous.
Is she going to be the next Billy Ray Cyrus wife? It’s too early to tell, but Billy Ray has a track record of moving fast. He’s already calling her the "truest love" he’s ever known in press releases for his new music. We've heard that one before, right?
Why the Cyrus Family is Fractured
The revolving door of wives and girlfriends has done more than just provide tabloid fodder. It has fundamentally broken the Cyrus family.
Miley Cyrus, arguably the biggest star in the world right now, has been famously distant from her father. When she won her Grammys, she pointedly left him out of the thank-you speech. Insiders say she’s fully Team Tish. While Billy Ray is busy releasing a new album produced by his son Braison in 2025, the rest of the kids—especially Miley and Noah—have drifted away.
👉 See also: Why Sexy Pictures of Mariah Carey Are Actually a Masterclass in Branding
The rift is real. It's deep. And it's mostly centered on how quickly Billy Ray replaced their mother.
What to Make of It All
Looking at the history of the Billy Ray Cyrus wife timeline, a few things become clear. First, Billy Ray loves "the Muse." He tends to marry or date people he collaborates with creatively. Second, the transition from Tish to Firerose was the catalyst for a family feud that might never be fixed.
If you're following this story for the music, Billy Ray is still prolific. He’s working with his son, he’s signing new publishing deals, and he’s still a mainstay in the country-pop crossover world. But if you’re following for the romance, just keep your eyes on Elizabeth Hurley’s Instagram.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check out Tish Cyrus's latest interview on The Squeeze podcast if you want the raw, emotional side of the 2022 split.
- Listen to "After the Storm," the last collaboration between Billy Ray and Firerose, to hear the "musical soulmate" era before it turned into a "nightmare."
- Keep an eye on Braison Cyrus’s upcoming production work; he seems to be the one bridge left between Billy Ray and the younger generation of Cyruses.