Billy Ray Cyrus Backs Miley’s First-Name-Only Era After She Drops ‘Cyrus’

Billy Ray Cyrus is fully behind Miley’s decision to go by one name, calling the move a fitting next step as she enters her new album era.

Billy Ray Cyrus has reacted to Miley’s name change after the pop star dropped “Cyrus” from her professional billing ahead of her forthcoming album, Bass Persuades. According to Complex, the country singer made clear that he supports his daughter’s decision rather than viewing it as a sign of renewed family tension.

“Family means more than ever now,” Billy Ray wrote while reflecting on the shift. He added, “I always called my little girl Miley. Just … Miley,” explaining that the shortened identity already felt natural to him long before it became part of her public rebrand.

Billy Ray also connected the choice to his own early career, recalling that he once used simply “CYRUS” before “Achy Breaky Heart” became a breakout hit in 1992. He said he told Miley that he felt good about her using only her first name and pointed to artists such as Dolly Parton, Cher, Elvis Presley and Prince as examples of stars whose names became instantly recognizable on their own.

For Billy Ray, the move represents a “natural progression for an iconic superstar legend” rather than a rejection of the Cyrus family name. He also said he is looking forward to Miley’s next album, signaling public support as the singer begins the latest phase of her career.

The update follows Rolling Hype’s earlier coverage of Miley’s Bass Persuades announcement, which introduced the first-name-only billing alongside the new project. Bass Persuades is scheduled for release on September 18 and will mark Miley’s 10th studio album.

The new era arrives after a period in which Miley and Billy Ray had publicly acknowledged challenges in their relationship before reconnecting. With his latest message, Billy Ray is framing the name change as an artistic evolution and making it clear that, from his perspective, Miley becoming simply “Miley” is something to celebrate.