Pop sensation Miley made waves recently by dropping her last name, Cyrus, from her social media handles. Speculation ran wild about the reasons behind this move. Was it a tribute to her godmother, Dolly Parton, or a fallout with her father, Billy Ray Cyrus? Some even linked it to her upcoming album release.
Billy Ray Cyrus has now set the record straight with a heartfelt post on social media. He revealed that he has always affectionately called his daughter “Miley,” a name derived from her early nickname, Smiley, due to her constant smiles as a baby. The family connection to Dolly Parton, whom Billy Ray introduced to Miley at a young age, has added to the emotional significance of recent events.
Despite the loss of Dolly Parton, both Billy Ray and Miley have emphasized the importance of family. Billy Ray, who recently turned 65, expressed his support for Miley’s decision to go by her first name alone, likening it to other iconic stars like Cher, Elvis, and Prince.
While this alteration does not signify a formal name change for Miley, it represents a strategic rebranding. Her highly anticipated tenth studio album, “Bass Persuades,” is set for release on September 18, with two live performances scheduled at the Hollywood Bowl in October. Miley shared her excitement for these upcoming shows, expressing her deep connection to Los Angeles and her eagerness to perform in her hometown.