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Billy Ray Cyrus<\/a> is weighing in on Miley Cyrus<\/a>‘ decision to leave their famous last name behind.<\/p>\n The country star shared a throwback photo of himself with Miley and her brother, Braison, on Instagram Wednesday (Sept. 2)<\/a>, explaining that he supports his daughter’s choice to go by just “Miley.”<\/p>\n Billy Ray’s reaction comes after Miley quietly dropped “Cyrus” from her social media and began promoting her upcoming album simply as “Miley.”<\/p>\n “Family means more than ever now,” Billy Ray wrote alongside the throwback photo. “I always called my little girl Miley. Just \u2026 Miley. Just like I always called my little boy Braison.”<\/p>\n Read More:\u00a0<\/b><\/em>Billy Ray Cyrus Opens Up About Redemption, Hope on New Album<\/a><\/p>\n He explained that before “Achy Breaky Heart” made him famous<\/a> in 1992, he was known simply as Cyrus and even had clothing featuring only his last name.<\/p>\n Billy Ray said he told Miley that he “felt good about her going with her first name.”<\/p>\n He also compared the move to artists including Dolly<\/a>, Cher<\/strong>, Elvis<\/a> and Prince<\/strong>, writing that it’s “a natural progression for an iconic superstar legend.”<\/p>\n Miley dropped “Cyrus” from her social media handles Monday (Aug. 31), ahead of the Sept. 18 release of her 10th studio album, Bass Persuades.<\/p>\n She hasn’t publicly explained the reason behind the change<\/a>. Instead, she shared two red-and-black photos on Instagram, captioning one simply, “MILEY.”<\/p>\n Billy Ray’s public support comes against the backdrop of his years-long\u00a0tricky relationship with\u00a0Miley.<\/p>\n Read More:<\/em>\u00a0<\/b>Billy Ray Cyrus Reveals He Nearly Died of Sepsis in 2024<\/a><\/p>\n The relationship became strained after Billy Ray and Miley’s mother, Tish Cyrus<\/strong>, divorced in April 2022. The former couple also share Brandi<\/strong>, Trace<\/strong> and Noah<\/strong>, in addition to Miley and Braison<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Despite their complicated history, Billy Ray’s latest message makes his feelings about Miley’s career decision clear: He sees the name change as a natural step for his daughter and a sign of the superstar she’s become.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Country artists sure do have a way with their words, don’t they? And over the years, they’ve found a way to let their creativity spill over into the names of their children.<\/p>\n Here are some of the most unique baby names in country music.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Gallery Credit: Jess Rowe<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBilly Ray Cyrus Has His Daughter’s Back<\/h3>\n
Miley Cyrus Is Entering a New Era<\/h3>\n
Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus’ Relationship<\/h3>\n
Truly Unique and Cool Baby Names in Country Music<\/h2>\n