7 Shocking Twists In The Life Of Billy Ray Cyrus: New Romance, Family Feuds, And A Lawsuit In 2025

The life of Billy Ray Cyrus, the country music legend and father of global superstar Miley Cyrus, has been a whirlwind of professional highs and dramatic personal lows, with the latest chapter in late 2024 and 2025 proving to be the most complex yet. The patriarch of the famous Cyrus family has been thrust back into the headlines not just for his music, but for a series of explosive personal developments, including a high-profile, short-lived marriage, a new unexpected romance, and deep-seated family estrangement. Fans are scrambling for the most current updates on the man behind the infamous "Achy Breaky Heart" and the co-star of Hannah Montana, as he navigates a life that seems more dramatic than any TV show.

The latest news, as of December 2025, centers on a shocking new relationship, a public family feud with his children, and a bizarre legal battle over his daughter's maternity. This comprehensive profile breaks down the most recent, must-know details about Billy Ray Cyrus's turbulent life, career, and complex relationships with his famous offspring, offering a fresh look at the man at the center of the Hollywood country dynasty.

Billy Ray Cyrus: Complete Biography and Profile

Billy Ray Cyrus is an American country singer, songwriter, and actor who rose to international fame in the early 1990s. His career has been defined by his signature hit, "Achy Breaky Heart," and his role as the father of pop icon Miley Cyrus.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

• Full Name: William "Billy Ray" Cyrus
• Date of Birth: August 25, 1961
• Place of Birth: Flatwoods, Kentucky, U.S.
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Actor
• Genres: Country, Country Rock, Pop Country
• Debut Album: Some Gave All (1992)
• Breakout Hit: "Achy Breaky Heart" (1992)
• Notable Acting Role: Robby Ray Stewart in Disney Channel's Hannah Montana (2006–2011)
• Spouses:
  • Cindy Smith (m. 1986; div. 1991)
  • Tish Finley (m. 1993; div. 2023)
  • Firerose (m. 2023; div. 2024)
• Current Partner: Elizabeth Hurley (2025–present)
• Children:
  • Christopher Cody Cyrus (Son from a previous relationship)
  • Brandi Cyrus (Step-daughter, adopted)
  • Trace Cyrus (Step-son, adopted)
  • Miley Cyrus (Daughter)
  • Braison Cyrus (Son)
  • Noah Cyrus (Daughter)

The Shocking 2025 Relationship and Divorce Merry-Go-Round

The past year has seen Billy Ray Cyrus’s love life dominate headlines, starting with a rapid marriage and an even faster divorce, immediately followed by an unexpected new romance.

The Tumultuous Firerose Marriage and Split

Billy Ray Cyrus married Australian singer Firerose in late 2023, a union that came shortly after his final divorce from his long-time wife, Tish Cyrus. The marriage to Firerose, a singer 27 years his junior, was short-lived, with the divorce finalized in August 2024, less than a year after they tied the knot. The split was reportedly acrimonious, with Firerose publicly criticizing her ex-husband on social media, labeling him a "narcissist."

The Unexpected Romance with Elizabeth Hurley

Just months after his divorce from Firerose, the country star confirmed a surprising new relationship with British actress and model Elizabeth Hurley. The two first met on the set of the 2022 movie Christmas in Paradise, where they were co-stars. Despite an initial spark, they lost touch for nearly two years before reconnecting. The couple went Instagram official on Easter 2025, solidifying their status as one of the year's most talked-about celebrity pairings. Hurley has spoken positively about the relationship, calling Billy Ray "fabulous" and confirming they are "very happy."

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

The Deepening Cyrus Family Estrangement

The most persistent and painful narrative surrounding Billy Ray Cyrus in 2025 is the ongoing strain in his relationships with several of his children, a saga known as the "Cyrus Family Drama."

Trace Cyrus’s Public Accusation

The family tensions escalated when his adopted son, Trace Cyrus, a musician known for the band Metro Station, posted an emotional public statement in January 2025. Trace accused his father of pushing his family away, suggesting a deep rift had formed within the famous clan. This statement came shortly after Billy Ray's controversial performance at the Liberty Ball, which had already sparked public and familial concerns due to technical mishaps on stage.

Miley’s Evolving Relationship Status

The status of Billy Ray's relationship with his most famous daughter, Miley Cyrus, has been a subject of intense media scrutiny. Following her Grammy win and her parents' high-profile divorces, rumors of a bitter feud were rampant. However, Miley recently spoke out to clarify the situation, stating that she is "at peace" with her father and has reconnected with him. She also publicly supported his new relationship with Elizabeth Hurley, demonstrating a desire to move past the family's turbulent recent history. Despite this, reports have periodically surfaced suggesting Billy Ray is "heartbroken" over a perceived refusal by Miley to communicate, indicating that the father-daughter bond remains a complex, evolving situation.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

Tish Cyrus's Mental Health Impact

The final divorce from Tish Cyrus, which was her third filing, has been a major contributor to the family's turmoil. Tish has been candid about the psychological toll of the split, revealing that the end of their nearly 30-year marriage caused a "psychological breakdown." She admitted that she stayed in the marriage for "too long" for the sake of her own mental health, a sentiment that sheds light on the deep-seated issues that preceded the current family drama.

The Bizarre Lawsuit Over Miley’s Maternity

Adding another layer of bizarre controversy to his 2025 profile, Billy Ray Cyrus was forced to deal with a strange and distressing lawsuit. An online blogger named Jayme Lee filed a suit claiming to be Miley Cyrus’s biological mother. She alleged that Billy Ray "wrongfully assumed" the role of Miley’s father and "misrepresented the circumstances" of her adoption.

Billy Ray Cyrus took decisive action to shut down the claims, officially putting an end to the lawsuit. Furthermore, he has reportedly demanded over $7,500 from the claimant to cover legal costs, asserting that the claims caused him "severe distress." The resolution of this paternity claim allows the country star to finally put a bizarre and unfounded chapter behind him.

A New Chapter: Music and Legacy

Despite the personal chaos, Billy Ray Cyrus is not slowing down his professional career. In January 2025, he announced a new music project, signaling a return to his roots. What makes this new album particularly noteworthy is that it is being produced by his son, Braison Cyrus. This collaborative effort with Braison offers a counter-narrative to the family feud, suggesting that while some relationships are strained, others are finding a path toward professional and creative reconciliation. This new music project, coming amid so much personal upheaval, is a testament to the enduring legacy of the man who first brought country music to a global pop audience.