Billy Ray Cyrus reacts to Miley Cyrus dropping last name amid family drama
Billy Ray Cyrus reacts to Miley Cyrus dropping last name amid family drama
Caroline Gaspich Fri, September 4, 2026 at 8:30 PM UTC
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Miley removed her last name (Image: Getty Images North America)
Country music star Billy Ray Cyrus has expressed his backing for his daughter Miley's decision to drop her surname as she embarks on a fresh musical chapter.
On August 31, the 33-year-old artist posted on Instagram, revealing the cover art for her forthcoming 10th studio album 'Bass Persuades' and eliminating her well-known last name from her digital platforms. Alongside the notable modification, the Flowers singer simply wrote "MILEY" as her caption.
Many observers noted that she also entirely removed her famous surname from her website and marketing materials. While some theorized that the shift was linked to years of controversy surrounding the Cyrus name, Billy has confirmed that he fully supports his daughter and is excited about her new chapter.
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In a recent Instagram post, Billy uploaded a throwback photograph of himself embracing a young Miley. Accompanying the image, he wrote, "Family means more than ever now. I always called my little girl Miley. Just ... Miley. Just like I always called my little boy Braison. Bet you didn't know ... I was just CYRUS before Achy Breaky Heart came out in 92."
He added, "All of my swag and T-shirts only read. CYRUS SOME GAVE ALL with a picture of a POW MIA flag on it that and the words .. 'You are not forgotten.' I told @miley yesterday I felt good about her going with her first name. I mentioned Dolly and Cher. Thinkin about it more and more ... Elvis .. Prince ...and so on. It's a natural progression for an iconic superstar legend."
Billy wrapped up the post by writing, "And the legend continues! Looking forward to the new album. Now ... if only Mercury / PolyGram would have just not insisted on the 'Billy Ray' part and just let me be CYRUS...... I could have done something!!! Ha ha !!! All good."
Despite the message appearing to support his daughter's decision to alter her name, Billy faced intense backlash regarding the statement, with numerous people questioning his decision to reference his own music career.
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One detractor remarked, "Did he just center himself in her announcement?" Another questioned, "IDK, this feels weird. Let her shine."
A third individual agreed, "You really did just take your daughter's big announcement and find a way to make it about yourself. That's impressive."
Billy showcased his support for the change (Image: NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
Conversely, others came to Billy's defense, with one supporter noting, "Omg people! He is trying to tell that he is proud of his daughter for doing a move in her career. And btw it's HIS Instagram. If you are not happy with HIS post about HIM on HIS account, you can unfollow/blocked him and go on with your life! I wish you the best of luck."
Another defender stated, "You're the GOAT Billy Ray! ! ! Such a sweet message."
A third responded, "She's just being MILEY now [red heart emoji] the icon of the generation!"
Miley has yet to confirm a release date for her new album, but has teased moody red-and-black aesthetic teasers and billboards that signal new music is in the works. It has been over year since Miley released her last studio album, which was titled Something Beautiful.
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Source: “AOL Entertainment”
