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In a revealing interview with The New York Times, pop icon Miley Cyrus spoke candidly about her father Billy Ray Cyrus’ ongoing battle with sobriety and the evolving nature of their father-daughter relationship. The conversation sheds light on the complexities of family, addiction, and forgiveness within one of music’s most famous families.
Miley, 32, who has been open about her own sobriety journey, contrasted her experience with that of her father. She acknowledged that while she finds sobriety empowering and enjoyable, Billy Ray struggles more with abstaining from substances. Describing his sobriety as a “good bad habit,” she explained that her father sometimes finds comfort in things he knows are harmful. She attributed this partly to generational differences, noting that Billy Ray grew up in an era when mental health support was scarce, making it harder for him to seek help or cope effectively.
The singer expressed empathy for her father’s difficult upbringing in poverty in a small Kentucky town, which shaped his challenges. “I have a compassionate place in my heart for him,” Miley said, highlighting the contrast between their childhoods and how that influences their perspectives.
Their relationship has been notably complicated, especially following the 2022 divorce of Billy Ray and Miley’s mother, Tish Cyrus, after nearly 30 years of marriage. Miley admitted that she initially struggled with the family changes and took on some of her mother’s pain, which affected her bond with her father. However, she emphasized that maturity and time have helped her see her parents as individuals rather than just parental figures. “I’m being an adult about it,” Miley said. “My child self has finally caught up.”
This new outlook coincides with both parents finding happiness in new relationships. Billy Ray publicly confirmed his romance with actress Elizabeth Hurley in April 2025, just months after finalizing his divorce from his second wife. Meanwhile, Tish Cyrus has been married to actor Dominic Purcell since 2022. Miley expressed support for both relationships, saying she now appreciates her parents’ joy as separate from their roles as her mother and father.
The singer also addressed rumors of estrangement from Billy Ray, firmly stating they are no longer estranged and have been rebuilding their relationship. She credited timing and healing for their renewed closeness, emphasizing that family is now her top priority. Both Miley and Billy Ray have publicly shared moments of reconciliation, including social media posts featuring family gatherings.
Sources close to the family suggest that the legendary Dolly Parton played a subtle role in encouraging the Cyrus family to mend their differences, underscoring the importance of unity. Miley herself expressed gratitude for the progress made, saying, “I’m at peace knowing bridges have been built and time has done a lot of healing.”
In summary, Miley Cyrus’ recent reflections reveal a heartfelt journey of understanding, forgiveness, and growth between her and Billy Ray Cyrus. Their story highlights the challenges of sobriety, the impact of family dynamics, and the power of time to heal even the most complex bonds.
