The life of country music legend Billy Ray Cyrus has been anything but quiet, and the last few years have seen a whirlwind of dramatic personal and professional changes. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the Achy Breaky Heart singer has been dominating headlines not for his music, but for a series of intense family feuds and a shockingly short-lived second marriage that ended in a bitter public divorce. The man who gave the world one of the most iconic country songs of the 90s is navigating a complex new chapter involving ex-wives, legal battles with his children, and a surprising new romance.
The biggest story dominating the narrative is the rapid dissolution of his marriage to Australian singer Firerose, which was finalized in August 2024. This, coupled with ongoing tensions with his famous children, including Trace Cyrus and Miley Cyrus, paints a picture of a star seeking "healing for my family" while simultaneously making bold career moves, including a new album produced by his son, Braison Cyrus.
Billy Ray Cyrus: Complete Biography and Profile
William Ray Cyrus, known professionally as Billy Ray Cyrus, is an American country music singer, songwriter, and actor whose career has spanned over three decades.
- Full Name: William Ray Cyrus
- Born: August 25, 1961
- Birthplace: Flatwoods, Kentucky, U.S.
- Age (as of 2025): 63
- Career Start: 1989–present
- Breakthrough Hit: "Achy Breaky Heart" (1992)
- Debut Album: Some Gave All (1992)
- Total Studio Albums: 16 (including *It Won't Be the Last*, *Storm in the Heartland*, and *Trail of Tears*)
- Notable Acting Roles: Robby Ray Stewart on the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana (alongside daughter Miley Cyrus).
- Marriages:
- Cindy Smith (m. 1986; div. 1991)
- Tish Finley (m. 1993; div. 2023)
- Firerose (m. 2023; div. 2024)
- Children: Miley Cyrus, Trace Cyrus, Braison Cyrus, Brandi Cyrus, Noah Cyrus, and Christopher Cody Cyrus.
- Recent Awards: Two-time GRAMMY® winner.
The Shocking 7-Month Marriage and Bitter 2024 Divorce from Firerose
The most attention-grabbing event in Billy Ray Cyrus’s recent history is the swift end of his marriage to the Australian singer Firerose, whose real name is Johanna Rosie Hodges. The couple, who collaborated on the song "New Day," tied the knot in October 2023.
However, the union was short-lived. In May 2024, Cyrus filed for an annulment, citing irreconcilable differences and "inappropriate marital conduct." The divorce was officially finalized in August 2024 by a Williamson County judge in Tennessee, ending the marriage after only seven months.
The split was highly contentious and played out publicly. Firerose, who is significantly younger than Cyrus, reportedly settled for minimal financial compensation just to "be done with him and get away from the situation." She later publicly criticized her ex-husband on social media, reportedly labeling him a "narcissist" in the fallout, highlighting the acrimonious nature of the separation.
The divorce from Firerose came less than a year after his long-time marriage to Tish Cyrus was finalized in 2023. Tish, the mother of Miley, Trace, Braison, Brandi, and Noah Cyrus, later commented on a podcast that she had stayed in the marriage "too long," suggesting a long-standing strain in their relationship before their eventual separation.
Navigating Public Family Feuds and Legal Threats
The drama surrounding Billy Ray Cyrus has not been limited to his love life. The country star has also been embroiled in highly publicized conflicts with his children, leading him to publicly ask for "healing for my family."
One major point of contention involves his son, Trace Cyrus, a musician known for his work with the band Metro Station. Reports surfaced that Billy Ray allegedly threatened Trace with legal action, although the specifics of the dispute remain largely private. This adds another layer of complexity to the already strained relationship between the patriarch and his famous offspring, especially in the wake of Miley Cyrus's global success and her parents' divorce.
In a bizarre side note that highlights the chaos around the Cyrus name, the singer was also forced to address a legal claim from a woman who asserted she was Miley Cyrus’s biological mother. Billy Ray Cyrus demanded thousands in legal fees from the woman after she filed a lawsuit, further entangling him in legal and personal drama.
A New Romance and a Surprising Career Resurgence
Despite the personal turmoil of 2024, Billy Ray Cyrus appears to be moving forward in both his personal and professional life. The country icon is reportedly "going strong" with a new romantic interest: actress Elizabeth Hurley. While the relationship is relatively new, sources suggest the pair are committed, providing a potential new focus for Cyrus following his turbulent divorce from Firerose.
On the career front, Cyrus is not slowing down. He is preparing to release a highly anticipated new album, which marks a significant collaboration within the Cyrus family. The album is being produced by his son, Braison Cyrus, signaling a creative partnership that stands in contrast to the public feuds with his other children.
This new musical project will be his first major release since the finalization of his second divorce and is seen by many as a return to his roots in country music, which he helped redefine with hits like "Achy Breaky Heart" and albums such as *Some Gave All*. This resurgence proves that while his personal life may be complex, his dedication to his music career remains strong.
What Does the Future Hold for the Country Star?
As of 2025, Billy Ray Cyrus is focused on rebuilding his personal life and revitalizing his career. The public narrative has shifted from the novelty of his quick marriage to Firerose to the challenging dynamics of his extended family. With a new album on the horizon and a new high-profile relationship, the two-time GRAMMY® winner is clearly not stepping out of the spotlight anytime soon. The ongoing saga of the Cyrus family continues to captivate fans, proving that for Billy Ray Cyrus, life in the public eye is always a complex mix of music, drama, and unexpected new beginnings.
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