Pop singer Miley made waves recently by dropping the surname Cyrus from her social media handles, sparking speculation among fans. Many wondered if this move was connected to her relationship with her godmother, Dolly Parton, or possibly a rift with her father, renowned country artist Billy Ray Cyrus. 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, revealing that he has always affectionately referred to Miley as just “Miley.” Originally named Destiny Hope Cyrus, Miley earned her nickname as a baby due to her constant smiling, eventually leading to the moniker that stuck. Billy Ray also recounted introducing Miley to Dolly Parton, whom he asked to be Miley’s godmother, further emphasizing the bond between the two families.
Both Billy Ray and Miley have expressed their deep sorrow over the recent passing of Dolly Parton. Billy Ray, who celebrated his 65th birthday on the day of Parton’s death, emphasized the importance of family during this difficult time. He voiced his support for Miley’s decision to go by her first name only, likening it to the iconic status achieved by legends like Elvis and Prince.
It appears that Miley’s adjustment to a single-name persona is more of a rebranding than an official name change. Her upcoming album, “Bass Persuades,” is set for release on September 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 considers close to her heart, in a recent Instagram post.