Miley Cyrus has spoken directly for the first time about her rumored rift with her father, Billy Ray Cyrus. During an appearance on “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman,” Miley shared insights into her complex relationships with both her parents. When asked if her father was her hero, Miley shifted the focus to her mother, Tish Cyrus, calling her “hero” and offering a nuanced view of her father.
Navigating Different Parental Influences
Miley highlighted the distinct roles her parents played in her life. “He has a relationship and a foot on the ground to the real and nature, and he always did, even when he was super famous,” she told Letterman. She expressed gratitude for the guidance her father provided, describing it as a “map” of what to do and what not to do. When questioned if both parents deserved equal credit, Miley explained that Tish and Billy Ray are “different” and can’t be compared on the same scale. She acknowledged her father’s creative influence, stating, “Without my dad, I wouldn’t be who I am as a person. His creative and artistic mind has always made me feel safer in my own.”
Addressing Rumors of Estrangement
Miley addressed the speculation about estrangement with her father, though she sidestepped directly answering Letterman’s question. She emphasized the sacrifices her parents made for her and her siblings, saying, “My parents served us and sacrificed so much for us. Anything we dreamed of, they made possible.”
The “Used to Be Young” singer also touched on the differences in how she and her father relate to fame. Last year, while promoting her song “Used To Be Young,” Miley discussed the contrasting upbringings she and her father experienced. “My dad grew up the opposite of me. I grew up financially and emotionally stable, which he didn’t have,” she shared. This difference, she believes, influences their distinct relationships with fame and success.
Reflection on Fame and Family Dynamics
Miley revealed that her father feels a deeper emotional connection to his fame, which she attributes to his challenging childhood. “Him feeling loved by a big audience impacted him emotionally more than it ever could me. When he feels special or important, it’s like healing a childhood wound,” she said. In contrast, Miley has always felt like a star within her family environment.
In an Instagram post last week, Billy Ray Cyrus expressed pride in his daughter, describing her as a survivor and a true artist. “She’s a survivor and a true artist. She learned early on to love and appreciate the fans who make everything possible,” he wrote.
Billy Ray Cyrus’ Personal Life
Amid these family revelations, Billy Ray Cyrus filed for divorce from his wife, Firerose (real name Johanna Rosie Hodges), citing irreconcilable differences and inappropriate marital conduct. This news, surfacing from the Williamson County court system, adds another layer to the evolving narrative of the Cyrus family’s dynamics.
Miley’s candid reflections offer a deeper understanding of her family relationships and the complexities of growing up in the spotlight. Despite any rumored tensions, her respect and gratitude for both her parents remain evident.