It was the Instagram post that practically broke the internet on Easter Sunday 2025. There she was, the iconic Elizabeth Hurley—flannel shirt, cowboy hat, looking like she’d just stepped off a ranch—being kissed on the cheek by a man in bunny ears. That man wasn't just anyone. It was Billy Ray Cyrus.
If you had "Austin Powers star and Achy Breaky Heart singer" on your 2026 celebrity bingo card, you’re doing better than most of us. People were floored. Honestly, the pairing felt like a fever dream at first. But as we move through January 2026, it’s clear this isn't some fleeting PR stunt. Who is Elizabeth Hurley dating? She is dating Billy Ray Cyrus, and they are arguably the most fascinating couple in Hollywood right now.
How the Liz Hurley and Billy Ray Cyrus Connection Actually Happened
Believe it or not, this didn't start at some glitzy awards show after-party. They actually met back in 2022. They were filming a movie called Christmas in Paradise in the Caribbean. At the time, Billy Ray was still entangled in his high-profile (and ultimately very messy) relationship with Firerose. Liz was doing her thing, being the world’s most glamorous single mom and businesswoman.
They were just friends then. Professional.
Fast forward to 2024. Billy Ray’s third marriage had imploded after only seven months, leading to a divorce that was finalized in August of that year. He was, by all accounts, in a pretty dark place. According to insiders, Elizabeth reached out to offer some emotional support. You know how it goes. One "how are you doing?" text leads to a phone call, and suddenly you're flying across the Atlantic.
✨ Don't miss: Mia Khalifa New Sex Research: Why Everyone Is Still Obsessed With Her 2014 Career
By the time they went "Instagram official" in April 2025, they had already been seeing each other for a few weeks. They chose an exhibition in Rome for their first real public appearance as a couple in May 2025. Since then, it’s been a whirlwind of red carpets, including a very notable appearance at the 2025 CMAs.
Why This Relationship Works (According to Liz)
During an appearance on Loose Women in September 2025, Elizabeth got surprisingly candid about why she’s finally off the market. She’d basically been single for 11 years following her split from the late cricket legend Shane Warne.
"Timing is everything," she told the panel.
She explained that for over a decade, her primary focus was being a single mother to her son, Damian Hurley. She didn't want to bring "random" people into his life until it was something incredibly serious. Now that Damian is 23 and a successful director/model in his own right, she feels like she finally has the space to prioritize her own romantic life.
🔗 Read more: Is Randy Parton Still Alive? What Really Happened to Dolly’s Brother
The Nashville-to-Surrey Lifestyle
It’s a weird mix of cultures. Billy Ray lives about 40 minutes outside of Nashville. Liz, the quintessential British icon, has actually been spending a lot of time there. She’s even joked that the Tennessee countryside looks remarkably like Surrey.
- The Guitar Lessons: Billy Ray has been trying to teach her to play. She admits she’s "appalling" at it so far, but she’s trying.
- The "Squirrel Man": She’s given him the quirky nickname "squirrel man" in social media captions.
- The New Year's Bash: They just rang in 2026 together at a James Bond-themed party where Billy Ray was seen commenting "I love you Baby" on her photos.
The "Blended Family" Reality Check
We’ve all heard the rumors about "family feuds" in the Cyrus camp. It’s no secret that things have been tense between Billy Ray and some of his children, specifically Miley, over the last few years.
However, the Hurley side of things seems much more harmonious. Damian Hurley has been very vocal about his support. He recently called Billy Ray "one of the sweetest men" he’s ever met. That’s a big deal. If you know anything about Liz and Damian, you know they are incredibly tight. If he didn’t approve, this wouldn't be happening.
On the other side, Liz has reportedly met several of Billy Ray’s kids. While the tabloids love to project drama onto Miley and Liz, sources say everyone is being grown-ups about it. They are focusing on "blending" rather than "colliding."
💡 You might also like: Patricia Neal and Gary Cooper: The Affair That Nearly Broke Hollywood
What’s Next: Rumors of Adoption and Moving In
As we hit mid-January 2026, the rumor mill is spinning faster than ever. There have been reports—most notably from the National Enquirer in late December 2025—that the couple is discussing adoption.
The logic? They both have "plenty of energy and love to give." While neither has confirmed this officially, Liz has been spending more and more time at the Nashville ranch. She’s leaning into a "nesting stage," playing the role of the housewife and enjoying a slower pace of life than the London paparazzi circuit usually allows.
Key Takeaways for Fans
If you're following this romance, keep an eye on these specific details:
- Public Support: Watch Damian Hurley’s social media; he is the ultimate barometer for Liz’s happiness.
- The Music: Don't be surprised if Liz makes a cameo in a music video soon. She's been immersed in the Nashville scene.
- The Location: If she starts selling off her UK property or spending more than six months a year in the States, it's a sign they are moving toward a permanent union.
Elizabeth Hurley isn't just dating anyone; she’s found a partner who seems to match her intensity and her desire for a quiet life away from the "nonsense." It’s an unexpected match, but in the chaotic world of celebrity dating, maybe "unexpected" is exactly what works.
To stay updated on their relationship status, follow Elizabeth’s official Instagram for her frequent "country life" updates, or check the latest Hollywood trade reports for any news on their rumored joint creative projects.