Miley Cyrus has officially dropped her last name in the lead-up to her tenth studio album, “Bass Persuades,” a move that drew a public reaction from her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, on X. The announcement sparked speculation about possible tensions between the singer and her father, but Billy Ray quickly clarified that Miley informed him beforehand and that he fully supports her decision.
Father’s Supportive Response
Billy Ray Cyrus took to X, formerly Twitter, to share his thoughts on the name change. He wrote, “Family means more than ever now. I always called my little girl Miley. Just … Miley. Just like I always called my little boy Braison. Bet you didn’t know … I was just CYRUS before Achy Breaky Heart came out in 92…. I told Miley yesterday I felt good about her going with her first name. I mentioned Dolly and Cher. Thinking about it more and more … Elvis .. Prince … and so on. It’s a natural progression for an iconic superstar legend. And the legend continues ! Looking forward to the new album.”
The country music legend’s message was notably warm, emphasizing that the decision is a “natural progression” for an artist of Miley’s stature. He referenced iconic entertainers who are known by a single name, including Dolly Parton, Cher, Elvis Presley, and Prince, to illustrate his point.
Context and Rumor Mill
Miley’s announcement about dropping “Cyrus” from her name came as she prepares to release her tenth studio album, “Bass Persuades.” The news initially fueled rumors of ongoing tensions between Miley and her father, given their complicated public history. However, Billy Ray’s statement on X appears to put those rumors to rest, at least from his side.
The singer’s decision aligns with a broader trend in the entertainment industry, where artists adopt mononyms for brand simplicity and iconic recognition. Billy Ray’s reference to his own past as “just CYRUS” before his breakthrough hit “Achy Breaky Heart” in 1992 adds a personal touch to his endorsement.
Impact and Next Steps
The name change is expected to be a major talking point as Miley Cyrus—now simply Miley—rolls out promotion for “Bass Persuades.” Fans will be watching to see if the album’s marketing and credits reflect the new mononym. Billy Ray’s public support, framed around family and legacy, suggests a united front despite past differences.
The album “Bass Persuades” marks a new chapter in Miley’s career, and the name change underscores her evolution as an artist. With her father’s blessing, the move is set to be a defining moment in the run-up to the album’s release.
