Billy Ray Cyrus Embraces Miley's Stage Name Evolution

Billy Ray Cyrus recently voiced his full endorsement for his daughter, Miley Cyrus, choosing to perform under only her first name. This decision by Miley, made in anticipation of her tenth studio album, has been met with understanding and pride from her father, who sees it as an inevitable step for an artist of her stature. His remarks underscore a sense of continuity and evolution within the entertainment industry, comparing her transition to that of other single-named luminaries.

The conversation around Miley's professional moniker began when she subtly updated her social media profiles, removing "Cyrus" from her public identity. This change coincided with the upcoming release of her new album, "Bass Persuades." On September 2, 2026, Billy Ray Cyrus took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his perspective. He articulated his long-standing habit of referring to her simply as "Miley," much like he did with his son, Braison. He also reminisced about his own early career, noting that he was known just as "Cyrus" before the immense success of "Achy Breaky Heart" in 1992, with merchandise often featuring only his surname.

Billy Ray elaborated on his support, characterizing Miley's move to a mononym as a "natural progression for an iconic superstar legend." He cited several legendary figures who are universally recognized by their first names alone, including Dolly Parton, Cher, Elvis Presley, and Prince. This historical context served to validate Miley's choice, framing it not as a rejection of her heritage but as an embrace of her unique artistic identity. Alongside his comments, he shared a nostalgic photograph of himself, Miley, and Braison, reinforcing the family connection despite the professional name change. He expressed excitement for her new album, indicating his unwavering support for her artistic journey.

This public display of support is particularly noteworthy given past reports of a strained relationship between Miley and Billy Ray, which reportedly arose following her parents' divorce. However, the father-daughter duo has since reconciled, a fact beautifully highlighted during Miley's Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in May. At the event, she credited her father's wisdom, recalling his analogy that "a skyscraper starts with a jackhammer — so does a star on the Walk of Fame by the way — and it's not about the force, but it's about the repetition… What feels so special to me about this star is that it's an accumulation of devotion." This heartfelt acknowledgment underscored a mended bond and shared respect.

Miley's highly anticipated album, "Bass Persuades," is slated for release on September 18. In conjunction with the album announcement, she also revealed plans for two exclusive performances at the Hollywood Bowl, scheduled for October 16 and 18. These upcoming events are poised to be significant milestones in her career, marking a new chapter under her streamlined professional identity.

The elder Cyrus's public commentary reflects a profound understanding and acceptance of his daughter's evolving career path. By drawing parallels to other music icons, he emphasizes that the shedding of a surname is a symbolic, rather than literal, separation from family. This development highlights the dynamics of celebrity and personal identity within the public eye, showcasing a family united in support of artistic growth and individual expression.