If you’ve ever found yourself humming "Achy Breaky Heart" while watching a classic episode of Hannah Montana, you already know the answer. But honestly, the story of who is the father of Miley Cyrus is way more complicated than just a guy with a legendary mullet and a guitar.
Billy Ray Cyrus isn't just "Miley's dad." He’s a country music icon who exploded onto the scene in the early '90s, a TV star in his own right, and a man who has navigated one of the most public and occasionally messy family dynamics in Hollywood history.
The Kentucky Boy Who Changed Everything
Billy Ray was born in 1961 in Flatwoods, Kentucky. Long before the Grammys and the Disney contracts, he was just a kid singing in his father's gospel choir. It’s kinda wild to think about, but he actually dropped out of college to pursue music, living in his car for a while before he caught his big break.
That break came in 1992. His debut album, Some Gave All, was a monster. It stayed at Number 1 on the Billboard 200 for 17 weeks. Most artists today would sell their souls for that kind of longevity. The lead single, "Achy Breaky Heart," didn't just top charts; it basically forced the entire world to learn how to line dance.
It was right in the middle of this whirlwind fame—November 23, 1992—that Destiny Hope Cyrus was born. We know her now as Miley, a nickname derived from "Smiley" because she was such a happy baby.
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More Than Just a Famous Parent
The father of Miley Cyrus has always worn multiple hats. He wasn't just the guy at home; he was her co-star. When Miley landed the lead in Hannah Montana at age 13, Disney actually cast Billy Ray to play her fictional father, Robby Ray Stewart.
That move was a double-edged sword.
On one hand, it provided Miley with a familiar face and a protector in the shark-infested waters of child stardom. On the other, Billy Ray has been very vocal about how the show "destroyed" his family. In a famous 2011 interview with GQ, he admitted he wished the show had never happened. He felt like the lines between reality and fiction blurred too much, and he lost his grip on his role as a parent while trying to be a co-worker.
The 2026 Reality: Where Do They Stand?
If you’re looking for a perfect Hollywood ending, you might be disappointed. As of early 2026, the relationship between Billy Ray and Miley is... well, it's a work in progress.
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The family underwent a massive shift in 2022 when Billy Ray and Tish Cyrus (Miley’s mom) finalized their divorce after nearly 30 years of marriage. Since then, the "Cyrus Clan" has sort of split into factions.
- The Rift: For a long time, Miley and Billy Ray were reportedly estranged. Fans noticed she didn't mention him during her 2024 Grammy acceptance speech for "Flowers," which was a huge red flag for anyone following the drama.
- The New Partners: Billy Ray's personal life has been a whirlwind. After a short-lived marriage to the singer Firerose that ended in 2024, he has recently been linked to actress Elizabeth Hurley.
- The Mending: Recent reports in 2025 and early 2026 suggest things are finally cooling off. Sources say Miley’s godmother, the literal saint Dolly Parton, stepped in to tell them life is too short for feuds.
Miley herself has started opening up more about her dad's influence. In her Backyard Sessions special, she noted that her father's relationship with fame was different because he grew up without the financial and emotional stability he eventually provided for her. It was a rare, nuanced look at their bond—basically acknowledging that while they have "challenges," the love is still there.
The Rest of the Family Tree
It’s easy to forget that Billy Ray is the father to a whole bunch of talented people, not just Miley. He has six children in total:
- Brandi and Trace: Tish’s children from a previous relationship, whom Billy Ray adopted.
- Christopher Cody: Billy Ray’s son from a brief relationship with Kristin Luckey, born just months before Miley.
- Braison and Noah: His younger biological children with Tish. Noah, of course, has followed in the family footsteps with a successful music career of her own.
Why This Matters for Fans
Understanding who the father of Miley Cyrus is helps you understand Miley herself. Her rebel spirit, her country roots, and her complicated relationship with the spotlight all trace back to the man from Flatwoods. He gave her the platform, the talent, and the cautionary tale all wrapped into one.
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If you’re following the Cyrus family saga, the best way to keep up isn't just through tabloids. Look at the music. Both Miley and her siblings often process their family trauma through their lyrics.
Next Steps for the Curious Fan:
- Listen to "Butterfly Fly Away": It’s a duet between Billy Ray and Miley from the Hannah Montana movie that perfectly captures their early bond.
- Watch Miley’s "Endless Summer Vacation: Continued" on Hulu: She goes into deep detail about her family history and how her upbringing shaped her view of the industry.
- Check out Billy Ray’s autobiography, Hillbilly Heart: If you want to see the world through his eyes, this is the most direct source you’ll find.
The Cyrus family is a reminder that even with all the money and fame in the world, family is still messy. It’s human. And sometimes, it takes a few years of silence to finally hear what the other person is saying.