Miley Cyrus has dropped her famous last name, and her father Billy Ray Cyrus is fully behind the decision. The country singer shared his thoughts on social media, calling the move a “natural progression” for his daughter who is now simply known as “Miley.”
The 33-year-old singer recently changed her social media profiles and is promoting her upcoming 10th studio album, Bass Persuades, without the “Cyrus” surname. This change comes as she enters a new chapter in her music career, and her father has made it clear he supports her choice completely.
Billy Ray Shares His Honest Reaction on Instagram
On September 2, 2026, Billy Ray posted a throwback photo on Instagram showing himself with a young Miley and her brother Braison. In his post, he shut down any speculation that he might be upset about his daughter dropping the family name.
“Family means more than ever now. I always called my little girl Miley. Just … Miley,” Billy Ray wrote. “Just like I always called my little boy Braison.”
The 64-year-old singer also revealed something many fans did not know about his own career. Before his massive hit “Achy Breaky Heart” came out in 1992, he was known simply as “Cyrus”.
“Bet you didn’t know … I was just CYRUS before Achy Breaky Heart came out in 92,” he recalled. “All of my swag and T shirts only read. CYRUS”.
A Natural Progression for a Superstar
Billy Ray explained that he had spoken with Miley about her decision the day before his post. He told her he felt good about her using only her first name.
“I told @miley yesterday I felt good about her going with her first name. I mentioned Dolly and Cher,” he wrote. “Thinkin about it more and more … Elvis .. Prince …and so on. It’s a natural progression for an iconic superstar legend.”
By comparing Miley to music legends like Dolly Parton, Cher, Elvis Presley, and Prince—all artists known by just one name—Billy Ray placed his daughter in the company of iconic performers who have reached a level of fame where a last name is no longer needed.
“It’s a natural progression for an iconic superstar legend. And the legend continues!”
Miley’s New Album and New Era
The name change coincides with Miley’s upcoming album Bass Persuades, which is set to release on September 18, 2026. She announced the album on September 1, sharing artwork and changing her social media handles to simply “Miley”.
The singer also revealed she will perform two shows at the Hollywood Bowl on October 16 and 18 to celebrate the album’s release.
Miley described the album as a “love story” in a recent interview, explaining that it reflects where she is in her life right now.
“This album is a love story, but love stories are never one-dimensional. They’re always layered,” she told actress Daryl Hannah for Wonderland magazine.
The project marks her first release under a new record deal with Atlantic Records, following her departure from Sony Music’s Columbia Records.
Family Reconciliation After Years of Tension
Billy Ray’s public support comes after years of reported tension between him and Miley. The relationship became strained following his divorce from Miley’s mother, Tish Cyrus, in April 2022 after nearly 30 years of marriage.
However, the father and daughter have since worked on repairing their relationship. Miley confirmed they had reconciled in 2025.
“At first, it’s hard because the little kid in you reacts before the adult in you can go, ‘Yes, that’s your dad, but that’s just another person that deserves to be in his bliss and to be happy,’” Miley previously said. “So my adult self has caught up.”
The pair appeared together publicly earlier this year when Billy Ray joined Miley onstage for her Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special. Miley also shouted out her father during her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in May 2026.
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What This Means for Miley’s Career
Miley, who was born Destiny Hope Cyrus, has been known as Miley Cyrus for most of her career. The nickname “Miley” came from “Smiley,” which was shortened over time. Now, decades into a massively successful career that includes acting on “Hannah Montana,” multiple Grammy wins, and numerous hit songs, she is stepping into a new phase with just her first name.
Billy Ray ended his Instagram post by expressing excitement for what is coming next from his daughter.
“Looking forward to the new album,” he wrote.
The 10-track album Bass Persuades arrives on September 18, and fans can already see the change across Miley’s social media platforms, where she now appears simply as “Miley”.
Also Read: Miley Cyrus Says She’s ‘Already Tired’ and Shuts Down Hannah Montana Reboot Talk After 20th Anniversary Special
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