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From the era of “Achy Breaky Heart” through the phenomenon of “Hannah Montana” to the groundbreaking success of “Old Town Road,” Billy Ray Cyrus has undeniably etched his name into several pivotal moments of pop culture history. Yet, as of late, his presence seems somewhat subdued, leaving many to speculate on the reasons behind his diminished spotlight. It appears that some of the personal revelations he’s made over time might have played a significant role in this shift.
Let’s rewind to the moment when Billy Ray seemingly severed ties with Disney. It was back in 2011, amid his initial divorce filing from Tish Cyrus, when his life appeared to be spiraling. During this tumultuous period, he opened up in a candid interview with GQ, leveling damning criticisms at Hollywood, particularly singling out “Hannah Montana” as a catalyst for the upheaval in his family life. His blunt declaration, “It destroyed my family,” resonated deeply, followed by regretful sentiments regarding his and his daughter’s involvement in the show. This candid outpouring, while honest, likely didn’t endear him to Disney executives, especially when he labeled the industry as a “highway to hell.”
Billy Ray’s remarks to GQ didn’t spell the end of his career, though. Fast forward a few years, and he found himself back in the limelight with “Old Town Road,” a collaboration with Lil Nas X that catapulted him back into mainstream fame. Meanwhile, glimpses into his family life suggested a semblance of stability, such as his daughter Miley joking about FaceTiming him during the pandemic.
However, as the pandemic unfolded, so did the final chapter of Billy Ray’s marriage to Tish Cyrus. In 2022, he disclosed that amidst separation and divorce, he had grown closer to Firerose, a close friend who eventually became his wife. While this transition might have been amicable for the family, the story of how they met—on the set of “Hannah Montana” when she was in her early twenties and he was nearing fifty—elicited raised eyebrows.
This unconventional romance, coupled with strained dynamics within the family, possibly contributed to Billy Ray’s fading presence in the public eye. Reports hint at tensions between him and Miley, evident in her notable omission of him in her 2024 Grammy acceptance speech and Instagram posts. These incidents, coupled with his unconventional personal life choices, have diverted attention away from his professional endeavors.
Nevertheless, Billy Ray’s resilience and penchant for surprises, exemplified by his unexpected collaboration with Lil Nas X, suggest that his career trajectory is far from over. Despite the hurdles and controversies, his enduring impact on pop culture ensures that his name won’t fade into obscurity just yet.