Billy Ray Cyrus
TL;DR:
- Billy Ray saluted Dolly Parton on her 80th birthday with a heartfelt note.
- Tish Cyrus discussed anxiety and “self-medicating” after their 2022 split.
- His relationship with Elizabeth Hurley continues to draw attention.
- Recent legal dustups tied to a Miley maternity hoax moved in his favor.
- Here’s how these threads shape Billy Ray’s next chapter.
On January 19, 2026, Billy Ray Cyrus publicly wished Dolly Parton a happy 80th, calling her a reminder of what music should do, bring people together and lift spirits. The tribute landed as artists across Nashville marked her milestone.
The same week, renewed attention fell on Billy Ray’s family life after ex-wife Tish Cyrus spoke about anxiety and grief following her mother’s death and her 2022 divorce. In interviews released January 14 to 15, 2026, she said she “self-medicated” with marijuana before seeking therapy. Those comments revived interest in a turbulent period for the Cyrus family.
Coverage of Billy Ray’s ongoing romance with Elizabeth Hurley also resurfaced, including updates from late 2025 and fresh tabloid chatter this week. People reported in November 2025 that the pair were “going strong” after six months. New pieces on January 19 to 20, 2026, highlighted Hurley’s Maldives trip and social buzz around the couple.
Separate from the personal headlines, a December 2025 legal story continued to ripple. Outlets reported Billy Ray secured favorable movement in a case involving a woman who falsely claimed to be Miley Cyrus’ mother, with filings seeking reimbursement of legal fees.
The family backdrop, in brief
Tish filed for divorce in April 2022, citing irreconcilable differences. Billy Ray later married Australian singer Firerose in October 2023. The pair finalized their divorce in August 2024, then traded allegations in court and on social media through late 2025. By November 2025, Billy Ray publicly wished Miley a happy 33rd birthday, signaling warmer ties after months of speculation about a rift.
Where Billy Ray stands with the industry
Billy Ray’s Dolly post mattered beyond a birthday greeting. He and Parton share long Nashville roots, and Dolly’s new charity re-record of “Light of a Clear Blue Morning,” featuring Miley Cyrus, dominated country conversations from January 15 to 19, 2026. His message placed him in that celebration, alongside tributes from across music.
How this affects fans
For longtime fans, the signal is simple. Billy Ray is present in country’s big cultural moments, while working through personal spillover from the past three years. Public reconciliation notes around Miley reduce the noise. Court actions around the hoax lawsuit also suggest he is pressing to close lingering distractions.
The relationship watch
People reported in November 2025 that Billy Ray and Elizabeth Hurley were still together after more than six months, describing the bond as “real from the beginning.” New social buzz this week kept attention on their pairing. Expect more cross-Atlantic coverage whenever one of them posts, given their celebrity reach.
What happens next
- Music and appearances. Watch for Billy Ray to align with Nashville milestones and charity moments through early 2026, especially those touching Parton’s birthday cycle and Vanderbilt fundraising tied to Dolly’s re-record.
- Family temperature. Public posts around birthdays and holidays will remain the clearest indicator of where the family stands. His November 24, 2025 birthday note to Miley hinted at a thaw.
- Legal cleanup. Fee recovery and dismissals in the hoax-maternity case may continue into early 2026. Those filings are routine but headline-friendly.
Quick timeline
| Date | Event |
| April 2022 | Tish files for divorce from Billy Ray. |
| Oct 2023 | Billy Ray marries Firerose. |
| Aug 2024 | Billy Ray and Firerose finalize divorce. |
| Nov 24, 2025 | Billy Ray posts public birthday message to Miley. |
| Dec 2025 | Court movement against woman claiming to be Miley’s mother. |
| Jan 14–15, 2026 | Tish details post-divorce anxiety and therapy. |
| Jan 19, 2026 | Billy Ray’s Dolly Parton 80th birthday tribute. |
Why it matters
Public figures live across music, family, and court filings. Billy Ray’s week shows that balance. His Dolly salute places him in a positive Nashville story. Tish’s interviews add needed context to a difficult 2020–2024 stretch. The legal cleanup and calmer posts with his kids point to a steadier 2026.
Bottom line for readers
- Expect more Billy Ray posts around Nashville charity and legacy moments.
- Family updates will come in short social bursts, not long interviews.
- The Elizabeth Hurley pairing keeps him in mainstream entertainment news, well beyond country.
Checklist for quick context
- Know the key dates above.
- Separate family commentary from legal motions.
- Look to music-adjacent charity releases for positive news.
- Treat fresh social posts as temperature checks, not formal statements.
Sources:
- Holler, “Billy Ray Cyrus Pays Tribute to Dolly Parton with Heartfelt 80th Birthday Message,” https://holler.country/news/breaking/billy-ray-cyrus-pays-tribute-to-dolly-parton-with-heartfelt-80th-birthday-message/, January 19, 2026.
- People, “Tish Cyrus Says She ‘Was Not Functioning’ After Divorce and Mother’s Death,” https://people.com/tish-cyrus-mom-mammie-death-divorce-anxiety-quit-weed-start-therapy-11885543, January 14, 2026.
- E! News, “Tish Cyrus Details ‘Self-Medicating’ During ‘Tragic’ Billy Ray Cyrus Breakup,” https://www.eonline.com/news/1427377/tish-cyrus-on-billy-ray-cyrus-breakup-self-medicating, January 15, 2026.
- Yahoo Entertainment, “Dolly Parton’s Fiery 80th Birthday Photo,” https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/music/articles/dolly-partons-fiery-80th-birthday-171702845.html, January 19, 2026.
- People, “Billy Ray Cyrus and Elizabeth Hurley ‘Going Strong’ After 6 Months Dating,” https://people.com/billy-ray-cyrus-elizabeth-hurley-going-strong-6-months-dating-exclusive-11837685, November 2025.
- AOL / Yahoo, “Billy Ray Cyrus Scores Legal Victory in Lawsuit Against Woman Claiming to Be Miley’s Mom,” https://www.aol.com/entertainment/billy-ray-cyrus-scores-legal-083413783.html, December 8, 2025.
- Cosmopolitan, “Billy Ray Cyrus Demands $7K in Legal Bills…” https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/celebs/a69715077/billy-ray-cyrus-7000-in-legal-bills-woman-claim-miley-cyrus-mom/, December 12, 2025.

