Billy Ray Cyrus Muses on Miley Dropping Last Name for Upcoming Album: ‘A Natural Progression for an Iconic Superstar’

Lily BrownWed, September 2, 2026 at 7:05 PM UTC

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Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus at the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special in March 2026Credit: Ser Baffo/Disney -

Miley Cyrus will release her 10th studio album, Bass Persuades, under just her first name

Billy Ray Cyrus supports Miley’s decision, comparing her to iconic one-name stars like Cher and Prince

Miley describes the album as a layered love story reflecting personal and romantic growth in her life

“She’s just being Miley” — and apparently, Billy Ray Cyrus agrees.

On Sept. 2, the country star, 65, shared his thoughts on his daughter Miley Cyrus’ decision to release her upcoming 10th studio album, Bass Persuades, under just her first name. He posted a throwback photo on Instagram featuring himself with a young Miley and her younger brother, Braison.

Miley, 33, was born Destiny Hope Cyrus, but her family began calling her Miley because of her childhood nickname, Smiley. She later dropped the “S” and became Miley — and now, decades into her career, she’s taking that name center stage once again.

Billy Ray Cyrus with children, Braison Cyrus and MileyCredit: Billy Ray Cyrus/Instagram

For Cyrus, the decision feels less like a rebrand and more like a return to the name he’s always used for his daughter.

“Family means more than ever now. I always called my little girl Miley. Just … Miley,” Cyrus began his Instagram caption. “Just like I always called my little boy Braison.”

Cyrus then offered a little history lesson of his own, recalling a time when he was known simply by his surname before his 1992 breakthrough hit.

“Bet you didn’t know … I was just CYRUS before ‘Achy Breaky Heart‘ came out in ‘92,” he wrote. “All of my swag and T shirts only read. CYRUS SOME GAVE ALL with a picture of a POW MIA flag on it that and the words .. ‘You are not forgotten.’”

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The country singer said he had even spoken with the Hannah Montana actress about her decision the day before.

“I told @miley yesterday I felt good about her going with her first name,” he wrote.

And he’s not exactly worried about Miley needing a last name to make her mark. In fact, Cyrus sees a long line of legendary performers who have made one name more than enough.

“I mentioned Dolly and Cher. Thinkin about it more and more … Elvis .. Prince …and so on,” he continued. “It’s a natural progression for an iconic superstar legend. And the legend continues ! Looking forward to the new album.”

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Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley attend MusiCares Person of the Year honoring Dolly Parton in Los Angeles in February 2019Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty

Of course, Cyrus couldn’t resist imagining what might have happened if his own record label had taken a similar approach.

“Now … if only Mercury / Polygram would have just not insisted on the” Billy Ray” part and just let me be CYRUS…… I could have done something!!! Ha ha !!! 🤣 All good. 👍🏼”

The “Flowers” singer’s one-name era arrives alongside a new musical chapter. The Grammy winner announced Bass Persuades on Sept. 1, revealing that the album will be released Sept. 18. The album will follow Miley’s 2025 record Something Beautiful.

“Music takes hold of us. We feel it, sing it, sometimes dance to it, let it out and carry on. It is powerful, vulnerable, sweet and strong,” she wrote on Instagram. “Heart full, heartache, every part of life in between. That’s what the title means to me. Thank you for being a part of making my wildest dreams come true. I sincerely hope you love this album. ❤️ Miley.”

Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley attends the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on Feb. 10, 2019Credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage

Miley previously teased the project during a July interview with actress Daryl Hannah for Wonderland, describing the record as a “love story.”

“This album is a love story, but love stories are never one-dimensional. They’re always layered. There is definitely a romantic thread weaving through it because, like all my records, it’s a reflection of where I am in my life,” she said.

Miley, who is engaged to drummer Maxx Morando, said the album feels particularly meaningful because its central feeling has stayed with her through different stages of her life.

“That’s something I hadn’t really experienced before. A peaceful kind of love has become a theme across my last three records,” she said.

She also described the record as an exploration of both romantic love and the relationship she has built with herself.

“That’s probably been the biggest evolution. Once your relationship with yourself changes, every relationship around you changes too. I think this record celebrates both of those equally,” she added.

Bass Persuades is set for release on Sept. 18. Miley will also perform two shows at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on Oct. 16 and Oct. 18.

on People

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”