Just one day after Miley Cyrus decided to publicly go by “Miley,” her dad, country star Billy Ray Cyrus, showed his support with a sweet message.
The news comes just one week after the Cyrus family lost their longtime friend, and Miley’s Godmother, Dolly Parton.
Billy Ray’s Support
“Family means more than ever now. I always called my little girl Miley. Just … Miley,” Billy Ray shared alongside a throwback photo with Miley and her brother Braison. “Just like I always called my little boy Braison.”
He added, “Bet you didn’t know … I was just CYRUS before ‘Achy Breaky Heart’ came out in 92. 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.'”
He went on to say that he privately showed Miley support amid her name change by talking about all the major stars who are known by just one name.
“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,” he wrote. “It’s a natural progression for an iconic superstar legend. 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. 👍🏼”
Miley Cyrus to Miley
The former “The Voice” coach announced her decision to drop her last name while revealing her upcoming album.
“My tenth studio album, BASS PERSUADES, is yours September 18th,” she shared alongside a black and white image of herself with a white rose in her mouth. “Music takes hold of us. We feel it, sing it, sometimes dance to it, let it out and carry on. It is powerful, vulnerable, sweet and strong. Heart full, heartache, every part of life in between. That’s what the title means to me.”
She added, “Thank you for being a part of making my wildest dreams come true. I sincerely hope you love this album. ❤️ Miley.”
At the same time as her announcement, Miley’s social media handles were changed from “Miley Cyrus” to simply “Miley”—though she has yet to provide an explanation.
Miley’s news was shared just one week after the death of country music icon Dolly Parton. The “I Will Always Love You” artist died on August 25 after a “brief battle with cancer.”
“The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share. Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts,” Miley shared. “What I KNOW is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong. I have an angel by my side. I always have. One of our last conversations was about music and metamorphosis. 🦋”
She added, “I will always love her and want to make her proud. My heart breaks for the world, her family and friends who will miss her deeply. We’re in this loss together and we will see her in all of the most beautiful things. 💖.”
