When Miley, the popular singer, recently removed “Cyrus” from her social media handles, it sparked speculation among fans and followers. Some wondered if this change was a result of personal distress, possibly related to the passing of her honorary godmother, Dolly Parton, or a rift with her renowned father, country artist Billy Ray Cyrus. Others speculated about potential ties to her upcoming album release.
Today, Billy Ray Cyrus took to social media to address the confusion. Sharing a nostalgic photo of himself with his children from their younger days on Instagram, he revealed, “I always called my little girl Miley. Just … Miley.” Miley, originally named Destiny Hope Cyrus at birth, earned her nickname due to her constant smiles as a baby, a moniker that stuck over time.
During Miley’s early years, Billy Ray Cyrus also introduced her to country music legend Dolly Parton, whom he befriended while touring as her opening act. He later asked Parton to be Miley’s godmother. Both father and daughter have publicly mourned the recent loss of Parton.
On the day of Parton’s passing, Billy Ray Cyrus turned 65 and emphasized the significance of family at this time. He expressed support for Miley’s decision to perform under a single name, citing iconic stars like Dolly and Cher, Elvis, and Prince who had done the same. He viewed it as a natural progression for a superstar of Miley’s stature, clarifying that this adjustment does not signify an official name change but rather a rebranding.
Miley’s upcoming tenth studio album, “Bass Persuades,” is scheduled for release on Sept. 18, with two concerts announced at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles in October. Reflecting on her upcoming performances, Miley shared on Instagram, “I’ve sat in those seats many times, but I’ve never taken the stage. L.A. is my heart and I’m bringing it home.”
The evolution of Miley’s stage name appears to be part of her artistic journey, aligning with her musical endeavors and upcoming projects.