Pop singer Miley caused a stir when she removed “Cyrus” from her social media handles recently, sparking speculation among fans. Some wondered if this move was linked to her relationship with her godmother, Dolly Parton, or if there was a rift with her father, country star Billy Ray Cyrus. Others speculated about its connection to her upcoming album release.
Billy Ray Cyrus addressed the confusion in a social media post today, revealing that he has always referred to his daughter as Miley. He shared a nostalgic photo of himself with his children from their younger years. Miley, originally named Destiny Hope Cyrus, earned her nickname as a baby due to her constant smiling, evolving from “Smiley” to Miley, a name that stuck over time.
During Miley’s early years, Billy Ray introduced her to Dolly Parton, whom he met while touring as Parton’s opening act. Parton eventually became Miley’s godmother, and the Cyrus family has openly mourned her recent passing.
On the day of Dolly Parton’s death, Billy Ray Cyrus, who turned 65, emphasized the importance of family, expressing support for Miley’s decision to go by a single name. He drew parallels to other iconic artists like Dolly and Cher, suggesting that this shift is a natural progression for a legendary superstar.
The adjustment to Miley’s name does not signal an official change but rather a rebranding strategy. Her upcoming album, “Bass Persuades,” is set for release on September 18, accompanied by two live shows at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles in October. Miley shared her excitement for this homecoming concert on Instagram, highlighting her deep connection to the city.