Billy Ray Cyrus Publicly Backs Miley Cyrus Dropping His Last Name Ahead of New Album

PUBLISHED Sep 3, 2026, 8:39 AM ET

Country musician Billy Ray Cyrus publicly endorsed daughter Miley Cyrus removing his last name professionally in an Instagram statement. The announcement preceded upcoming rollouts for her studio project titled Bass Persuades. Billy Ray compared the professional transition to mononymous music figures including Dolly Parton, Cher, Elvis Presley, and Prince, describing the shift as a natural progression for a major artist. He emphasized that family remains a priority during challenging periods amid extended media commentary surrounding household dynamics. Representatives for both artists have not issued additional statements regarding the professional rebranding timeline or upcoming promotional appearances. The public remarks arrived during ongoing public discussion concerning family relationships within the Cyrus household. Industry observers note that name changes frequently accompany major album rollouts to signal artistic reinvention. Neither artist has confirmed a specific release date for the upcoming studio album or additional promotional interviews regarding the branding transition.

By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News

Explain Framing

Left: Framing highlights artistic autonomy and normalizes modern celebrity branding shifts. Center: Framing reports statements factually while noting broader entertainment industry context. Right: Framing emphasizes traditional family values amid reported household dynamic tensions.