Life is a wild ride, and if you're Billy Ray Cyrus, that ride just took a sharp turn toward the British countryside. Honestly, if you had asked anyone a year ago who the "Achy Breaky Heart" singer would be walking red carpets with today, nobody—and I mean nobody—would have guessed Elizabeth Hurley.
But here we are.
It’s official and, surprisingly, quite stable. Billy Ray Cyrus is dating Elizabeth Hurley. The country legend and the iconic British actress have been going strong for nearly a year now, turning what many initially thought was a random social media prank into one of the most talked-about celebrity romances of 2026.
The Easter "Hard Launch" That Shook the Internet
It all started back in April 2025. You remember the photo. It was Easter Sunday, and suddenly there’s Billy Ray in bunny ears, kissing the cheek of the Bedazzled star. The internet collectively blinked. People were still processing his messy, whirlwind divorce from Firerose, which had wrapped up just months earlier in August 2024. That split was ugly—filled with accusations of "scams" and "inappropriate marital conduct."
So, seeing him with Liz Hurley? It felt like a fever dream.
But it wasn't a fluke. They didn't just meet at a party and decide to post a selfie. This connection actually goes back to 2022. They co-starred in a Netflix movie called Christmas in Paradise. At the time, they were just colleagues. Billy Ray was dealing with the end of his 28-year marriage to Tish Cyrus, and Liz was, well, being Liz Hurley.
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Fate has a funny way of circling back. After Billy Ray’s short-lived marriage to Firerose imploded after only seven months, he was in a dark spot. He’s been quoted saying he was at his "wit's end" during that time. Apparently, it was Hurley who reached out to check on him. Just a simple text from an old friend. That text turned into phone calls, and those calls turned into a Roman holiday.
Why This Unlikely Pair Actually Works
You’ve got a guy from Flatwoods, Kentucky, and a woman who is essentially British royalty (in the pop-culture sense). On paper, it's weird. In reality? It seems to be exactly what both of them needed.
A Bond Over Business and Music
Billy Ray has often compared Liz to his longtime friend Dolly Parton. That’s a massive compliment. He admires her business sense. She isn't just an actress; she’s a mogul with a massive swimwear line and a long history of philanthropic work.
They also share a literal love for music. Billy Ray has been teaching her how to play the guitar. He’s been posting clips of her progress, calling her "my girl" and bragging about how quickly she's picking it up. It’s a side of him we haven’t seen in a while—calm, supportive, and actually happy.
The Family Dynamic
What’s even more surprising is how the kids are handling it. We all know the Cyrus family has had its fair share of drama. The rift between Billy Ray and Miley has been tabloid fodder for years. While Miley hasn't been out at Sunday brunch with Liz yet, Hurley’s son, Damian, is fully on board. He’s frequently seen with the couple at events, even joining them for their red carpet debut in Rome back in May 2025.
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Liz told The Sunday Times that "everyone loves everyone" and that Billy Ray has spent significant time with Damian. For a guy who has had a fractured relationship with his own biological children lately, this new "bonus dad" role seems to be a source of peace.
Moving Past the Firerose "Nightmare"
To understand why this relationship with Hurley matters, you have to look at what Billy Ray escaped. His marriage to Firerose was, in his own words, a "crazy insane scam." When they finalized the divorce in August 2024, he didn't just want a legal split; he wanted an annulment based on fraud.
He felt targeted. He felt used.
Coming out of a situation where you feel like your heart (and your bank account) was under siege makes you crave something stable. Elizabeth Hurley is many things, but she isn't a "scammer" looking for a leg up. She has her own money, her own fame, and her own legacy. For Billy Ray, that’s a massive safety net. He doesn't have to wonder if she's with him for the "Cyrus" name—she was famous when he was still rocking the original mullet.
Red Carpets and Matching Onesies
The couple spent their first Christmas together in December 2025, and they didn't hide it. They posted photos in matching festive onesies, looking like a couple that’s been together for a decade rather than a few months.
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They’ve been spotted everywhere from London premieres to fundraisers at the Royal Academy of Dance. Each time, the vibe is the same: they’re comfortable. There’s no frantic PDA or "try-hard" energy. They just look like two people who enjoy each other's company.
What This Means for Billy Ray’s Future
It looks like the "Achy Breaky" era of constant relationship turmoil might finally be over. For the first time in years, Billy Ray isn't in the news for a divorce or a family feud; he’s in the news for being a "patient boyfriend" teaching someone the G-chord.
If you're wondering if there are wedding bells in the future, neither has confirmed an engagement yet. Given how fast his last marriage went south, Billy Ray seems content to just let this breathe. They’re splitting time between his place in Tennessee and her home in the UK.
Actionable Takeaways for Following the Story
If you want to keep up with the latest on this couple without falling for tabloid clickbait, here are a few ways to verify what's actually happening:
- Check the Source: Stick to reputable outlets like People or The Sunday Times for direct quotes. If a "source" sounds too scandalous to be true, it probably is.
- Watch the Kids: In the Cyrus world, the children’s social media activity is the ultimate barometer. If Noah or Miley starts "liking" Liz Hurley’s posts, the family reconciliation is truly underway.
- Look for the Music: Billy Ray usually expresses his life through his songs. If he drops a new track with a British influence or a lighter, more romantic tone, you'll know the Hurley effect is permanent.
This relationship is a reminder that even after a "nightmare" breakup, there’s usually a second (or fourth) act waiting in the wings. Billy Ray found his in a very unexpected place, and honestly, he looks better for it.