Billy Ray Cyrus has publicly supported his daughter Miley Cyrus' recent decision to drop her last name, viewing it as a natural progression for a prominent artist. He shared his thoughts on Instagram, posting a throwback photo of himself with Miley and her brother, Braison.
"Family means more than ever now," Billy Ray wrote in the caption. "I always called my little girl Miley. Just … Miley."
He explained that before his 1992 hit "Achy Breaky Heart," he was known simply as Cyrus, a name he felt carried his "swag" at the time. The elder Cyrus stated he told Miley, 33, that he "felt good about her going with her first name," citing one-name legends such as Dolly Parton, Cher, Elvis Presley, and Prince as examples of an "iconic superstar legend."
Billy Ray also expressed anticipation for Miley's upcoming 10th studio album, reflecting on how his own career might have differed if he had been allowed to perform solely under his last name.
Miley Cyrus first signaled the change by removing her last name from her social media profiles on Monday, posting photos with the caption "MILEY." The move prompted speculation among her followers.
The father-daughter relationship has experienced periods of estrangement, particularly following Billy Ray's divorce from Miley's mother, Tish Cyrus, in April 2022. The former couple also have children Brandi, Trace, and Noah.
Despite past challenges, the family has shown signs of reconciliation. In May 2025, Billy Ray and Miley reunited to celebrate Braison's birthday, an event that also included Miley's fiancé, Maxx Morando. Around the same time, Tish Cyrus briefly unfollowed Miley on Instagram, which Miley later attributed to a technical glitch, emphasizing her close relationship with her mother.
"My dad and I have had our challenges over the years," Miley stated in a social media message at the time. "Now in my 30s, family is my priority above all else. I’m at peace knowing bridges have been built, and time has done a lot of healing."
In September 2025, Miley released the song "Secrets," which she described as a "peace offering for someone [she] had lost for a time but always loved," and specifically dedicated it to her father.