Pop sensation Miley made waves recently by shedding the “Cyrus” surname from her social media handles, sparking speculation among fans. Rumors swirled about whether the change was linked to personal issues with her father, renowned country artist Billy Ray Cyrus, or a tribute to her godmother, Dolly Parton. Today, Billy Ray Cyrus took to social media to clarify the situation, sharing childhood photos and revealing that he has always affectionately referred to his daughter as Miley. He recounted how Miley’s moniker evolved from her birth name, Destiny Hope Cyrus, to Smiley due to her constant smiles, eventually settling on Miley.
The Cyrus family’s bond with Dolly Parton was also highlighted, with both expressing grief over her recent passing. Billy Ray Cyrus emphasized the importance of family, especially in the wake of Parton’s death, and expressed support for Miley’s decision to embrace a single-name identity. He likened her choice to iconic figures like Dolly and Cher, suggesting it was a natural progression for a superstar of her caliber.
While Miley’s adjustment to a singular name seems more like a rebranding than an official name change, it comes ahead of her highly anticipated tenth studio album, “Bass Persuades,” set for release on September 18. Additionally, she has announced upcoming performances at the Hollywood Bowl in October, marking a significant moment for the artist as she returns to her roots in Los Angeles.