Billy Ray Cyrus: Family Rift, Net Worth, Divorce, Trump Support

Few family sagas in country music have played out as publicly as the Cyrus clan’s, from Billy Ray Cyrus’s performance at Donald Trump’s Liberty Ball in January 2025 to his rapid-fire divorce from Firerose, the People-reported event is just the latest chapter. This article untangles the key facts: the father-daughter rift, the net worth gap, the political shift, and what happens next.

Born: 1961 ·
Net worth: $10 million (Newsweek (news magazine)) ·
Hit single: Achy Breaky Heart (1992) ·
Children: 6 ·
Ex-wife: Tish Cyrus (1993–2022) ·
Current spouse: Firerose (married Oct 10, 2023)

Nine key facts, one pattern: Billy Ray Cyrus’s life is a balancing act between fame, family fractures, and reinvention.

What happened between Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray?

The father-daughter rift is the most talked-about family fracture in modern country-pop. Miley Cyrus, now a global pop icon worth an estimated $160 million, has been visibly distant from Billy Ray for several years. Public signs emerged when Miley openly criticized her father’s political choices. In a 2020 interview, she expressed discomfort with his support for Trump, calling it a “difficult and painful” split in family values. The People (celebrity news outlet)-reported event is just the latest chapter. Trace Cyrus, Billy Ray’s son and Miley’s half-brother, publicly urged his father to seek help after the performance, calling his behavior “concerning” in an interview with Variety (entertainment trade).

Why does Miley Cyrus not talk to Billy Ray?

The estrangement appears rooted in divergent political and personal values. Miley has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and progressive causes, while Billy Ray aligned himself with conservative figures. In a 2023 interview, Miley said she focuses on “protecting my peace,” adding that she doesn’t need to explain her choices. The AP News (wire service) noted that family sources describe the relationship as “strained but not completely broken.”

The implication: the family split is a microcosm of the political polarization in the U.S.

Who is richer, Miley Cyrus or Billy Ray Cyrus?

Three assets, one contrast: Miley’s net worth dwarfs her father’s by a factor of 16. The table below captures the sources.

Miley’s wealth comes from a multi-platform career: sold-out tours, a Disney Channel foundation, and savvy brand partnerships. Billy Ray’s net worth relies heavily on one hit single from 1992 and residual acting. The gap has made headlines and fueled narratives of a resentful parent. Newsweek (news magazine) notes that Billy Ray’s estimate dropped after the divorce settlement, which included short-term housing support for Firerose (USA Today (newspaper)).

What this means: the financial gap exacerbates the personal rift.

Does Billy Ray Cyrus support Donald Trump?

Billy Ray has been a vocal supporter of Donald Trump since 2016. He performed at Trump campaign events and, most recently, at the Liberty Ball on January 20, 2025. The performance was notable for technical difficulties – Billy Ray later said the equipment “went to hell” (People (celebrity news outlet)). However, his stance has softened in recent years. In a 2023 interview, he said he respects all political views and avoids making “enemies.” Newsweek (news magazine) notes that his support for Trump appears to have cost him family relationships, especially with Miley.

Billy Ray Cyrus political views and endorsements

In 2016, Billy Ray publicly endorsed Trump. He performed at the 2019 White House event. After the January 2025 inauguration, he did not publicly repeat his endorsement, leading to speculation about a shift. People (celebrity news outlet) reported that he declined further political comment. The implication: Billy Ray may be distancing himself from the brand that cost him family ties.

Why did Tish leave Billy Ray Cyrus?

Tish Cyrus filed for divorce in 2022, citing irreconcilable differences. The split ended a nearly 30-year marriage. Billy Ray’s relationship with Firerose – a woman 27 years younger – began shortly after separation. The divorce was finalized in 2024. AP News (wire service) reported that Billy Ray had also sought an annulment alleging fraud, but the divorce was settled without that outcome. People (celebrity news outlet) confirmed the divorce was settled in August 2024.

Divorce timeline

• 2022: Tish files for divorce.
• October 2023: Billy Ray marries Firerose.
• May 2024: Billy Ray files for divorce from Firerose, citing irreconcilable differences and inappropriate marital conduct (Billboard (music trade)).
• August 2024: Divorce finalized (People (celebrity news outlet)).

The pattern: personal turmoil has overshadowed his music career.

What is Miley diagnosed with?

Miley Cyrus has been open about her health struggles. She revealed in 2018 that she has supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), a condition that causes an abnormally fast heart rate. She underwent heart surgery the same year. Beyond the physical condition, Miley has spoken extensively about mental health, using her platform to advocate for therapy and self-care. While this isn’t Billy Ray’s story directly, it adds context to the family’s public narrative – a father whose daughter has faced serious health challenges while he navigates his own personal turmoil.

For Billy Ray Cyrus, the choices he has made around politics, relationships, and family have carved a path from country music royalty to national scrutiny. The consequence for his brand is clear: he risks being remembered less for his music and more for the tabloid dramas that follow him. For Miley, the distance is a protective measure. For fans, the Cyrus story is a cautionary tale about the cost of public feuds in the age of social media.