American singer and songwriter Miley Cyrus has dropped her last name as she prepares for the release of her upcoming tenth studio album, Bass Persuades, prompting a public reaction from her father, country music star Billy Ray Cyrus.
Miley’s decision to use only her first name has sparked speculation among fans, with some wondering whether the move could be connected to reports of tensions within the Cyrus family.
However, Billy Ray has appeared to put those rumours to rest, revealing that his daughter informed him about the name change before making the announcement publicly.
Rather than expressing disappointment, the Grammy-winning singer said he fully supports Miley’s decision and believes using her first name represents a natural progression for an artist who has already established herself as a global superstar.
Billy Ray Cyrus supports Miley’s decision
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Reacting to the development on X, formerly known as Twitter, Billy Ray explained that he had already spoken with Miley about her decision.
“Family means more than ever now,” he wrote.
Billy Ray said he had always referred to his daughter simply as Miley and similarly used his son’s first name, Braison, when speaking about him.
He also reflected on his own career, noting that before the success of his 1992 hit Achy Breaky Heart, he was simply known as Cyrus.
According to Billy Ray, he told Miley that he felt comfortable with her decision to move forward using only her first name.
He compared the move to other iconic entertainers who became instantly recognisable by a single name.
Miley joins iconic one-name stars
Billy Ray referenced legendary performers including Dolly, Cher, Elvis and Prince while explaining why he believes Miley’s decision makes sense.
His comments suggested that he views the name change not as a rejection of her family identity but as a reflection of the stature she has achieved through her own career.
“I mentioned Dolly and Cher,” he wrote. “Thinking about it more and more … Elvis .. Prince … and so on.”
He described the move as “a natural progression for an iconic superstar legend.”
Billy Ray ended his message by expressing excitement about Miley’s next musical chapter and her forthcoming album.
“Looking forward to the new album,” he added.
Name change sparks family speculation
Miley’s decision to drop her surname inevitably generated discussion among fans because of the highly publicised history of the Cyrus family.
Over the years, the singer’s relationship with her parents and siblings has attracted significant media attention, particularly as members of the family have experienced changes in their personal lives.
As a result, some fans initially interpreted the name change as potentially signalling another disagreement between Miley and her father.
Billy Ray’s response, however, presents a different picture.
By publicly confirming that Miley had spoken to him about the decision beforehand, he appeared to make it clear that he was aware of the change and supported her choice.
His comments also emphasised that the Cyrus family name remains important to him, even as his daughter establishes an identity increasingly associated with her own first name.
Miley Cyrus prepares for another musical chapter
The name change comes as Miley prepares to release her tenth studio album, Bass Persuades.
The project represents another major stage in a career that has seen her successfully move through different eras and musical styles.
Miley first gained international recognition as a child star before developing a successful career as a recording artist.
Over the years, she has experimented with pop, rock, country and other musical influences, while earning major awards and establishing herself as one of the most recognisable performers of her generation.
Her ability to reinvent herself has been one of the defining features of her career.
Using only “Miley” could therefore be interpreted as another step in that ongoing evolution.
A name with global recognition
For an artist of Miley’s stature, a surname may no longer be necessary for audiences to identify her.
Like other internationally recognised entertainers who have successfully built brands around a single name, Miley has become instantly recognisable to millions of fans around the world.
Billy Ray’s comparison with performers such as Cher, Elvis and Prince highlights the level of cultural recognition he believes his daughter has achieved.
His reaction also provides an important counterpoint to the speculation surrounding the announcement.
Instead of portraying the decision as a family conflict, Billy Ray has publicly framed it as a positive step in his daughter’s career.
Billy Ray looks ahead
As Miley prepares to introduce fans to her next album era, her father’s message suggests that he remains supportive of her artistic journey.
His comments also underline the complicated relationship between family identity and individual success.
While the Cyrus surname played an important role in Miley’s early public identity, she has spent years establishing herself as an independent artist with a career that extends far beyond her family background.
For now, fans will be watching closely to see how the name change is incorporated into the promotion of Bass Persuades.
Whatever the motivation behind the decision, Billy Ray Cyrus has made his position clear: he supports his daughter and believes that simply being known as Miley is another natural step in the continuing story of a global music star.
