Billy Ray Cyrus, the iconic country music star known for his hit "Achy Breaky Heart" and his role in Hannah Montana, has navigated a complex and often public romantic journey throughout his decades-long career. His love life has seen enduring marriages, a significant on-again, off-again relationship, and more recently, a whirlwind romance that captured headlines, reflecting a man whose personal life has frequently intertwined with his public persona.
Cyrus's first marriage was to Cindy Smith. The couple exchanged vows in 1986, before his rise to superstardom. Their relationship spanned several years as he worked to establish his music career. However, their union ultimately concluded, with the couple divorcing in 1991.
Following his divorce from Cindy Smith, Cyrus had a relationship with Kristin Luckey. Though not a marriage, this relationship was significant as it resulted in the birth of his son, Christopher Cody Cyrus, in 1992. This period coincided with the release of his debut album and the explosion of "Achy Breaky Heart," bringing his personal life into the public eye amidst his newfound fame.
His most prominent and enduring relationship began with Letitia "Tish" Finley, who would become Tish Cyrus. They married on December 28, 1993, in a private ceremony, despite initial opposition from his record label. Together, they welcomed three children: Miley Cyrus (1992), Braison Cyrus (1994), and Noah Cyrus (2000). Tish also adopted Billy Ray's two children from a previous relationship, Brandi Glenn Cyrus (1987) and Trace Dempsey Cyrus (1989), making them a blended family of five children.
The marriage between Billy Ray and Tish Cyrus was famously tumultuous, marked by multiple public filings for divorce and subsequent reconciliations. In October 2010, Billy Ray filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences, but he announced the following year that they had reconciled. He stated at the time, > "I’ve dropped the divorce. I want to put my family back together. Things are the best they’ve ever been."
Despite their reconciliation, Tish Cyrus filed for divorce in June 2013, again citing irreconcilable differences. However, by July 2013, reports indicated they had called off the divorce once more, with Tish stating they were "working through things." Their ability to navigate these public challenges and remain together for years became a defining characteristic of their relationship in the media.
After nearly three decades of marriage, the couple's relationship ultimately came to an end. In April 2022, Tish Cyrus filed for divorce for the third time, citing irreconcilable differences and stating they had not cohabitated for over two years. This final filing marked the official conclusion of their long and storied marriage, a significant chapter in both their lives.
Soon after his separation from Tish, Billy Ray Cyrus's romantic life took another public turn with his relationship with Australian singer Firerose. The two first met on the set of Hannah Montana many years prior, but their romantic connection blossomed in 2022. Their relationship quickly escalated, and they announced their engagement in November 2022, just months after his divorce from Tish was finalized.
The couple frequently shared glimpses of their affection on social media and collaborated musically. Their relationship was characterized by a rapid progression, culminating in their marriage on October 10, 2023. Billy Ray shared the news on Instagram, writing, > "10/10/23 will always be the beautiful, joyous day that our two souls united as one in holy matrimony. It was the most perfect, ethereal day possible to begin our forever love story."
However, this marriage proved to be short-lived. In June 2024, reports surfaced that Billy Ray Cyrus had filed for divorce from Firerose after only seven months of marriage. According to court documents, he cited irreconcilable differences and "inappropriate marital conduct" as reasons for the split, also seeking an annulment based on fraud. This sudden development brought another unexpected twist to his romantic history.
As of mid-2024, Billy Ray Cyrus is reportedly single, following the recent filing for divorce from Firerose. His romantic journey has been a public spectacle, marked by deep connections, challenging periods, and swift changes, reflecting the complex nature of relationships under the spotlight. From his early marriage to Cindy Smith, the birth of Christopher Cody, his enduring and often turbulent marriage to Tish Cyrus, and his brief union with Firerose, his love life has consistently remained a topic of public interest, showcasing a man who has lived his personal life as openly as his professional one.