Miley Cyrus has opened up about her strained relationship with her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, during a recent interview on David Letterman’s Netflix series, “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction.” The “Flowers” singer candidly discussed the complexities of her family dynamics, shedding light on the rumored estrangement with her dad.
When Letterman asked Miley if she considered Billy Ray her hero, she responded, “Honestly, my mom is my hero.” She elaborated on her gratitude for her father, who gained fame with his 1992 hit “Achy Breaky Heart.” Miley acknowledged that her dad has always maintained a connection to reality and nature, even at the height of his fame. “I’m grateful for being able to watch him ahead of me. He’s almost given me this map of what to do and what not to do, and he’s guided me on both,” she said.
Miley also touched on the different ways her parents contributed to her success, noting that they can’t be weighed on the same scale. “Without my dad, I know I wouldn’t exist, not just literally, but who I am as a person wouldn’t exist,” she explained. She credited her father for making her feel safer in her own mind due to their similar creative ideas. However, she emphasized that her mom, Tish Cyrus, played a significant role in raising her.
The interview comes amid ongoing rumors of a family rift that reportedly began after Tish filed for divorce from Billy Ray in April 2022. Since then, Tish has married actor Dominic Purcell, while Billy Ray married singer Firerose in October 2023. However, Billy Ray recently filed for divorce from Firerose, citing irreconcilable differences and inappropriate marital conduct.
Speculation about the family fallout intensified when Miley noticeably excluded her father from her Grammy acceptance speech for Record of the Year. “I don’t think I forgot anyone,” she said, after thanking her mom and older sister, Brandi.
Letterman addressed the rumors directly, asking Miley if there was an estrangement with her father. “Yeah,” Miley replied, adding, “I think what is so beautiful is that my parents served their children. My parents served us and sacrificed so much for us. Anything we dreamed of, they made possible.”
Miley further explained the current dynamic between her and her parents, noting that it’s not about closeness but rather the capacity in which they were raised. She highlighted the stark differences in their upbringings, with her mom being adopted into a loving family and her dad growing up very poor in a small town. “I have a lot of empathy and compassion for his childhood, which obviously developed to create the man he is now that I have a lot of love for,” she said.
Despite the family drama, Miley expressed her appreciation for both her parents. She credited her dad for his creative influence and her mom for providing a stable and loving environment. “My mom is my hero,” she reiterated, emphasizing the different but equally important roles her parents played in her life.
Miley’s candid remarks offer a glimpse into the complexities of her family relationships, highlighting the challenges and sacrifices that have shaped her journey. As she continues to navigate her career and personal life, her reflections on her parents’ influence provide a deeper understanding of the person she has become.
