When Miley, the popular singer, recently removed “Cyrus” from her name on social media, it sparked speculation and discussion among fans and followers. Some wondered if this change was a result of personal issues, such as a rift with her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, a renowned country singer, or a tribute to her godmother, Dolly Parton. However, Billy Ray Cyrus took to social media to clarify the situation.
In an Instagram post, Billy Ray shared a throwback photo of himself with his children, mentioning that he has always referred to Miley as just “Miley.” He revealed that Miley, originally named Destiny Hope Cyrus, earned her nickname due to her constant smiling as a child, evolving from “Smiley” to “Miley” over time. Billy Ray also recounted how he introduced Miley to Dolly Parton, who became her godmother and a significant influence in their lives.
Following Dolly Parton’s recent passing, both Billy Ray and Miley expressed their deep sense of loss. Billy Ray, who celebrated his 65th birthday on the day of Parton’s death, emphasized the importance of family during this time. He supported Miley’s decision to perform under a single name, likening it to iconic stars like Dolly and Cher.
It appears that Miley’s name adjustment is more of a rebranding move than an official change. Her upcoming album, “Bass Persuades,” is set for release on Sept. 18, with two concerts scheduled at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles in October. Miley shared her excitement about performing in L.A., a place she holds dear to her heart, in a recent Instagram post.