Miley Cyrus has addressed the rumors of a family feud after her first public reunion in years with her father, Billy Ray Cyrus.
The 31-year-old pop star was recently pictured alongside her dad and boyfriend Maxx Morando, celebrating her brother Braison Cyrus’ 31st birthday.
The image, also featuring the ‘Achy Breaky Heart’ singer, was shared on Instagram and quickly reignited long-standing speculation about discord within the Cyrus family.
In the wake of the reunion, fans noticed that Cyrus’ 57-year-old mother, Tish, appeared to unfollow her daughter on social media, prompting talk of tension between the two. But the former Disney Channel star was quick to set the record straight.
“I rarely comment on rumours, but my mama and I are too tight for anything to ever come between us,” she wrote on her Instagram Stories. “She’s my best friend. Like a lot of moms, she doesn’t know how to work her phone and somehow unfollowed me – simple, coincidental, and uninteresting.”
Addressing her relationship with her father, the ‘Wrecking Ball’ songsters added: “My dad and I have had our challenges over the years.
“Now, in my thirties, family is my priority above all else. I’m at peace knowing bridges have been built and time has done a lot of healing. Grateful for the good health and love that flows through my family,” she concluded.
The candid post comes after a wave of renewed attention on the Cyrus clan dynamic.
Before the reunion, Billy Ray shared a video of his daughter singing, captioning it: “Can’t wait to see this young lady.”
Though the public image of a family get-together seemed cheerful, it came against a backdrop of years-long speculation about strife among the Cyruses.
The 63-year-old and Tish’s 2022 divorce was reportedly a turning point, with an insider telling E! News at the time that the split “put a strain on [Miley’s] relationship with her dad.”
The tension was perhaps most evident at the 2023 Grammy Awards, when the Hannah Montana star won Record of the Year for her hit single ‘Flowers’ and notably did not mention her father in her acceptance speech.
Other reported conflicts include Tish’s remarriage to Prison Break actor Dominic Purcell in 2023 – a union that allegedly caused friction with her daughter Noah, who was reportedly seeing Purcell before her mother began dating him. Despite this, Tish and Noah appear to have reconciled since.
Meanwhile, Billy Ray also remarried in 2023, tying the knot with singer Firerose before divorcing in 2024. He has since been linked to actress Elizabeth Hurley.
Family drama aside, previous reports also highlighted concerns raised by Billy Ray’s adopted son, Trace Cyrus.
Following the ‘Some Gave All’ singer’s performance at President Donald Trump’s 2017 inauguration, Trace wrote an open letter that questioned his father’s well-being and claimed Billy later threatened him with legal action.
“Since my earliest memories all I can remember is being obsessed with you and thinking you were the coolest person ever. I wanted to be just like you. The day you adopted me was the happiest day of my life,” he said.
“Sadly, the man that I wanted so desperately to be just like I barely recognize now. It seems this world has beaten you down, and it’s become obvious to everyone but you,” he continued. “You may be upset with me for posting this, but I really could care less at this point.
“Me and the girls have been genuinely worried about you for years, but you’ve pushed all of us away,” he said, writing that Billy’s youngest daughter, Noah “desperately has wanted you to be a part of her life and you haven’t even been there for her”.
The 35-year-old musician shared in the lengthy post: “Somehow just like me she still idolizes you though. We are all hanging on to memories of the man we once knew & hoping for the day he returns.
“You’re not healthy Dad & everyone is noticing it. Just like I showed up for you at mamaws funeral when you didn’t expect me to, I’m still here right now.”
Trace stressed that, although the two had become estranged, he wanted to reach out to his father in the hope that he would recover.
“As I write this with tears in my eyes I hope you realize this message only comes from a place of love and also fear that the world may lose you far too soon. I love you Dad. We haven’t talked in a while but I’m over a year and half clean from alcohol. Guess what? I feel amazing.”
He concluded: “I don’t know what you’re struggling with exactly but I think I have a pretty good idea & I’d love to help you if you would open up and receive the help. You know how to reach me. Till that day comes I will continue to pray for you.”
Billy Ray broke his silence after Trace’s emotional letter by explaining to People: “I wouldn’t have missed the honor of playing this event whether my microphone, guitar, and monitors worked or not. I was there because President Donald J. Trump invited me.
“I had a ball at the Liberty Ball last night and I’ve learned through all these years when the producer says, ‘You’re on,’ you go entertain the folks even if the equipment goes to hell. I was there for the people and we had a blast. That’s called rock n roll!!!” he added.
