When the popular singer Miley made a notable adjustment on her social media profiles by dropping the surname Cyrus earlier this week, it sparked a wave of speculation.
Many pondered whether this change signaled emotional distress in response to the passing of her honorary godmother, Dolly Parton. Others speculated about potential conflicts with her renowned father, country music star Billy Ray Cyrus. Some even linked the alteration to the imminent release of her upcoming album.
Addressing the swirling rumors, Billy Ray Cyrus took to social media today to provide clarity. Sharing a throwback photo of himself with his children during their younger years on Instagram, he revealed, “I always called my little girl Miley. Just … Miley.”
Initially named Destiny Hope Cyrus at birth, Miley earned her moniker when, as a baby, her beaming demeanor prompted her father to affectionately nickname her “Smiley” – eventually shortened to Miley, a name that endured over time. During this period, Billy Ray Cyrus also introduced his daughter to the legendary country music figure Dolly Parton, whom he had befriended while touring as her opening act. He asked Parton to serve as Miley’s godmother.
Following the recent passing of Dolly Parton, both members of the Cyrus family have openly mourned her loss. Billy Ray Cyrus, who celebrated his 65th birthday on the day of Parton’s demise, emphasized the heightened significance of family to him presently, expressing his support for his daughter’s decision to adopt a single-name identity.
“I told @miley yesterday I felt good about her going with her first name. I mentioned Dolly and Cher. Thinkin’ about it more and more … Elvis … Prince … and so on. It’s a natural progression for an iconic superstar legend,” he shared.
Notably, Miley’s adjustment to using a single name does not signify an official name change but rather a strategic rebranding. Her upcoming tenth studio album, “Bass Persuades,” is scheduled for release on Sept. 18, alongside the announcement of two concerts at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles in October.
Expressing her excitement for the upcoming performances, Miley shared on Instagram this week, “I’ve sat in those seats many times, but I’ve never taken the stage. L.A. is my heart and I’m bringing it home.”