Billy Ray Cyrus weighs in on Miley’s decision to drop last name after healing family rift

Billy Ray Cyrus is opening up about daughter Miley Cyrus’ decision to ditch their famous last name. The country music star took to Instagram Wednesday to share his reaction, posting a throwback photo of himself with Miley and her brother, Braison, both of whom he shares with ex-wife Tish Cyrus. “Family means more than ever now,” Billy Ray, 65, began in the caption. “I always called my little girl Miley. Just … Miley. Just like I always called my little boy Braison.” Billy Ray Cyrus weighed in on Miley’s decision to drop her last name, sharing a throwback photo of himself with the singer and her brother, Braison, on Instagram (seen above). “Family means more than ever now,” Billy Ray wrote in the caption. “I always called my little girl Miley. Just … Miley.” He went on to explain that before his 1992 hit single “Achy Breaky Heart” catapulted him to fame, he was known simply as Cyrus, adding that all of his “swag” at the time featured only his last name. The “Old Town Road (Remix)” singer revealed that he told Miley, 33, yesterday that he “felt good about her going with her first name.” “I mentioned Dolly [Parton] and Cher. Thinkin’ about it more and more … Elvis … Prince … and so on,” he continued. “It’s a natural progression for an iconic superstar legend.” Billy Ray (pictured above on “The Kelly Clarkson Show”) revealed that he was known simply as Cyrus before “Achy Breaky Heart” came out in 1992. Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal via Getty Images Billy Ray said he “felt good” about Miley’s latest career move, pointing to other one-name legends like her godmother, Dolly Parton, as examples. (Billy Ray, Parton, and Miley are pictured together in 2019.) Getty Images for NARAS Billy Ray also shared his excitement for Miley’s highly anticipated 10th studio album before reflecting on what might have been if his record labels had simply let him go by Cyrus. “I could have done something!!! Ha ha !!! 🤣 All good. 👍🏼,” he concluded. Miley mysteriously dropped her last name from her social media handles Monday, leaving her followers wondering about the reason behind the career move. Billy Ray also said he was looking forward to Miley’s highly anticipated 10th studio album. (Father and daughter are seen above in 2021.) NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images Miley dropped her last name from her social media handles Monday, leaving followers wondering why. Getty Images for TikTok Want more celebrity and pop culture news? Start your day with Page Six Daily. Thanks for signing up! She offered no explanation, instead posting two red-and-black photos of herself on Instagram and captioning one simply, “MILEY.” Billy Ray’s remarks come against the backdrop of his years-long estrangement from Miley, which began after he and her mother, Tish Cyrus, divorced in April 2022. In addition to Miley and Braison, the former couple are also parents to daughter Brandi, 39, son Trace, 37, and daughter Noah, 26. Billy Ray’s remarks come after years of estrangement between him and Miley following his April 2022 divorce from her mother, Tish Cyrus. John Shearer/BBMA2017 In addition to Miley and Braison, Billy Ray and Tish are parents to daughters Brandi and Noah (seen above) and son Trace. Getty Images In May 2025, however, the father-daughter pair reunited to celebrate Braison’s 31st birthday. Billy Ray marked the occasion by sharing a photo with his children and Miley’s fiancé, Maxx Morando. Shortly after, fans noticed that Tish had unfollowed the “Wrecking Ball” singer on Instagram, though a source told Page Six at the time that the unfollow was simply “a glitch.” Miley later took to Instagram Stories to clear up the situation. Billy Ray and Miley reconciled in May 2025, shortly after which fans noticed that Tish unfollowed Miley on Instagram. (Miley, Tish and Billy Ray are pictured together in 2019.) Getty Images Following their estrangement, Miley released “Secrets,” which she described as a “peace offering” for her dad. NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images “I rarely comment on rumors, but my mama and I are too tight for anything to ever come between us,” she wrote at the time. “She’s my best friend. Like a lot of moms, she doesn’t know how to work her phone and somehow unfollowed me — simple, coincidental and uninteresting.” “My dad and I have had our challenges over the years,” the “Flowers” vocalist continued. “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. [I’m] grateful for the good health and love that flows through my family.” In September 2025, Miley released “Secrets,” which she described at the time as a “peace offering for someone [she] had lost for a time but always loved.” She then revealed, “This song is for my dad.” Community Guidelines Welcome to the Page Six Community! Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas in a safe space. In order to do so, we've created a simple set of rules that will improve your experience. Simply put, keep it civil. 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