Miley Cyrus has made a small change to her name that has sparked a surprisingly large conversation, but her father Billy Ray Cyrus wants fans to know there is no family drama behind it. As Miley prepares to release her 10th studio album, Bass Persuades, she has begun using her first name without the Cyrus surname. The move quickly prompted speculation about the state of her relationship with her father, but Billy Ray has now publicly offered his support. He says Miley told him about the decision beforehand and that he sees it as a natural step for an artist who has already built an identity far beyond her family name.
Billy Ray addressed the discussion on X, making it clear that he did not interpret the decision as a rejection of him or the family. Instead, he connected Miley’s choice to other major music stars who became instantly recognizable by their first names alone. His message also arrives at a time when father and daughter have recently shown that their relationship remains connected despite years of public speculation. Their reunion during the Hannah Montana 20th anniversary special earlier this year provided another reminder that their family dynamic is more complicated than headlines can sometimes suggest.
Billy Ray Cyrus Explains Miley’s Name Change
The name change became a talking point almost immediately after Miley’s latest announcement, partly because of the long history of public speculation surrounding her relationship with Billy Ray. Rather than allowing the discussion to continue without a response, Billy Ray chose to explain his own perspective directly. He said Miley had already spoken with him about the change and that he supported her decision.
“Family means more than ever now,” Billy Ray Cyrus wrote on X. “I always called my little girl Miley. Just … Miley. Just like I always called my little boy Braison. Bet you didn’t know … I was just CYRUS before Achy Breaky Heart came out in 92…. I told Miley yesterday I felt good about her going with her first name. I mentioned Dolly and Cher. Thinking about it more and more … Elvis .. Prince … and so on. It’s a natural progression for an iconic superstar legend. And the legend continues ! Looking forward to the new album.”
His comments also add an interesting personal detail to the conversation. Billy Ray pointed out that the Cyrus surname itself was not always the defining part of his professional identity, recalling his career before “Achy Breaky Heart” made him a household name in 1992. By bringing up artists such as Dolly, Cher, Elvis and Prince, he framed Miley’s decision as part of a broader tradition in which a major performer can become identifiable by a single name.
That perspective undercuts the idea that Miley’s choice was necessarily meant as a statement about her family. A famous surname can be useful early in a career, but Miley has spent years establishing an identity that exists independently of her father’s music career. Billy Ray’s response suggests he views the change as a sign of that evolution rather than a personal slight.
Miley’s New Era Begins With Bass Persuades
The name discussion arrives just weeks before Miley releases her new album. She announced Bass Persuades on Sept. 1, with the record scheduled to arrive Sept. 18 through Atlantic Records. The album will contain 10 tracks and includes collaborations with Model/Actriz and Andrew Wyatt of Miike Snow.
Miley has described the project as something deeply connected to the emotional role music has played throughout her life. “Music takes hold of us. We feel it, sing it, sometimes dance to it, let it out and carry on. It is powerful, vulnerable, sweet and strong,” Miley wrote in announcing the album. “Heart full, heartache, every part of life in between. That’s what the title means to me. Thank you for being a part of making my wildest dreams come true. I sincerely hope you love this album.”
The album also gives Miley an opportunity to return to live performance in a relatively rare appearance. She will play two shows at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on Oct. 16 and 18 to promote the new project. Coming shortly after the album’s release, those performances could become an important part of the next chapter of her solo career.
Taken together, the album title, the first-name branding and the return to the stage suggest a period of creative reinvention rather than a simple publicity move. Miley has already moved through several distinct musical identities during her career, from her early Disney years to pop success and more experimental projects. Using “Miley” as the primary name around this release adds another layer to that continuing evolution.
The Family Relationship Behind the Headlines
Speculation about Miley and Billy Ray’s relationship has been circulating for years, making the surname change particularly easy to interpret as a family statement. The reality presented by the two of them, however, is more nuanced. Their relationship has gone through difficult periods in the public eye, but they have also continued to find ways to connect, with music remaining an important part of that bond.
The two appeared together earlier this year during the Hannah Montana 20th anniversary special. The reunion was notable because the original Disney series played such an important role in both of their careers, and it brought the family back into the same project after years of public discussion about their relationship.
Miley also discussed their connection with People around the time of the special, explaining that music has remained one of the ways she and her father communicate. “It’s really the way we communicate,” Miley said. “Whether it’s sending a song we wrote in a text or writing a poem that says how we feel in a way that’s authentic to us, it’s always been the way we share our feelings.”
That comment makes Billy Ray’s latest response particularly relevant. His public support for Miley’s name decision does not erase the complicated history surrounding the family, but it does provide a clear answer to one part of the current speculation. According to Billy Ray himself, Miley told him about the change and he felt good about her using her first name.
For Miley, the timing is fitting. She is approaching the release of a new album, preparing for two major Hollywood Bowl shows and continuing to build a career that stretches across music and entertainment. Whether she is professionally billed as Miley Cyrus or simply Miley, her identity as an artist has long existed beyond the surname that first introduced her to millions of people.
Billy Ray appears to see that distinction clearly. By comparing her decision with artists who became cultural icons through their first names, he has turned what could have become another family controversy into something much simpler: a father publicly supporting his daughter’s next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Miley Cyrus dropping her last name?
Miley has begun using her first name without the Cyrus surname ahead of her 10th studio album, Bass Persuades. Billy Ray Cyrus said she told him about the decision beforehand and that he supported it. He described the move as a natural progression for an established superstar.
Does Billy Ray Cyrus support Miley’s name change?
Yes. Billy Ray publicly defended Miley’s decision on X and said he felt good about her going with her first name. He also compared the idea with major artists such as Dolly, Cher, Elvis and Prince.
When is Miley Cyrus’ new album Bass Persuades coming out?
Bass Persuades is scheduled for release Sept. 18 through Atlantic Records. The album contains 10 songs and features Model/Actriz and Andrew Wyatt of Miike Snow. It is Miley’s upcoming 10th studio album.
What did Miley say about Bass Persuades?
Miley described music as something powerful, vulnerable, sweet and strong while explaining what the album title means to her. She also connected the project to different emotional experiences throughout life. Her statement was part of her Sept. 1 album announcement.
Are Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus still on good terms?
Their relationship has been the subject of public speculation for years, but they have continued to share meaningful connections. They reunited for the Hannah Montana 20th anniversary special earlier this year, and Billy Ray has now publicly supported Miley’s name decision.
When will Miley perform live again?
Miley is scheduled to perform two shows at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on Oct. 16 and 18. The performances will come shortly after the Sept. 18 release of Bass Persuades. They mark a rare return to the stage for the singer.
