Billy Ray Cyrus Backs Miley's Decision to Drop Surname

Miley Cyrus has adopted a mononymous professional identity, dropping "Cyrus" from her public branding as she prepares to release her tenth studio album. Her father, country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, publicly expressed his support for the decision on September 2, 2026, stating it represents a natural progression for her career. The change, which is professional and not a legal name alteration, was implemented in late August 2026 ahead of the September 18 release of "Bass Persuades" via Atlantic Records. Miley removed the surname from her website and social media handles, marking the beginning of a new artistic era following her departure from Columbia Records earlier in the year. Billy Ray Cyrus shared his reaction in a social media post, noting he had told Miley he felt good about her going with her first name. He compared the move to iconic artists such as Dolly Parton, Cher, Elvis Presley, and Prince. "It's a natural progression for an iconic superstar legend," he wrote. The post was accompanied by a throwback photograph of him with a young Miley and her brother, Braison.