Billy Ray Cyrus has finally addressed his daughter Miley Cyrus’ decision to change her name and just go by her first name.
Keep reading to learn more.
The decision sparked criticism online, particularly because it came just days after the reported passing of Miley’s godmother, Dolly Parton.
But Billy Ray made it clear that he doesn’t see the move as a rejection of their family.
“Family means more than ever now,” the 65-year-old singer wrote in his Instagram caption on September 2 alongside a throwback photo of himself with a young Miley and her brother Braison.
“I always called my little girl Miley. Just … Miley.”
Billy Ray says Miley’s new name is “a natural progression”
According to Billy Ray, he and Miley had already discussed the change privately before he addressed it publicly.
“I told Miley yesterday I felt good about her going with her first name,” he wrote.
He then compared her decision to other legendary performers who became so recognizable that their first names alone were enough.
“I mentioned Dolly and Cher,” he explained, adding, “Thinkin’ about it more and more … Elvis … Prince … and so on.”
Billy Ray called it “a natural progression for an iconic superstar legend.”
The endorsement came after Miley began removing “Cyrus” from her professional branding and promoting her upcoming album, Bass Persuades, simply as Miley.
Importantly, the move appears to be an artistic rebrand rather than a legal name change.
Her official website was also updated ahead of the album’s September 18 release.
“Music takes hold of us. We feel it, sing it, sometimes dance to it, let it out and carry on,” Miley wrote while introducing the project.
“Heart full, heartache, every part of life in between. That’s what the title means to me,” she continued, signing the message simply, “Miley.”
Miley had already shared an emotional tribute to Dolly on August 26, acknowledging that the loss was deeply personal.
“The feeling of losing my Aunt Dolly is beyond what feels right to share,” she wrote. “Our most sacred moments were private and they’ll stay there behind the stage, beneath the glamour & between our hearts.”
But she said she knew what Dolly would have encouraged her to do.
“What I know is Dolly would want me to feel it, write a song about it, and then continue on and be strong,” Miley wrote. “I have an angel by my side. I always have.”
The pair’s relationship went back decades. Dolly had been part of Miley’s life through her longtime friendship with Billy Ray, appeared as her godmother on Hannah Montana, performed alongside her and collaborated with Miley on music.
Miley also revealed that one of their final conversations had focused on “music and metamorphosis.”
Billy Ray made it clear that he was looking forward to seeing where his daughter’s new era takes her.
“And the legend continues!” he wrote. “Looking forward to the new album.”
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