Miley Cyrus Breaks Silence on Billy Ray: ‘Bridges Have Been Built’

June 1, 2025: In a candid new interview with The New York Times, the 32-year-old singer confirmed that she and her father are not estranged, despite their rocky past. “No,” Miley replied when asked if there was distance between them. She went on to reflect on how age and maturity have reshaped her perspective. “As I’ve gotten older, I’m respecting my parents as individuals instead of just as parents,” she explained.

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Opening up about the emotional complexities of her family life, Miley shared that she had internalized her mother Tish Cyrus’ hurt during her parents’ long and sometimes turbulent marriage. But things are different now: “My mom is so in love with my stepdad, who I completely adore, and now my dad, I see him finding happiness, too,” she said. “I can love them both as individuals instead of as a parental pairing.”

Billy Ray and Tish finalized their divorce in 2022 after nearly 30 years of marriage. Both have since moved on—Tish married actor Dominic Purcell in 2023, while Billy Ray had a short-lived marriage with singer Firerose and is now dating actress Elizabeth Hurley.

Reflecting further, Miley added, “At first it’s hard, because the little kid in you reacts before the adult in you can say, ‘Yes, that’s your dad—but he’s also just a person who deserves to be happy.’”

The Hannah Montana star recently appeared on My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman, where she praised her mother as her hero but also acknowledged the lessons she learned about fame from her father.

Earlier this month, Miley addressed rumors about a supposed rift in her family on Instagram, shutting down speculation after Tish briefly appeared to unfollow her. “My mama and I are too tight for anything to come between us,” she wrote.

As for her father, Miley said, “We’ve 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.”