Billy Ray Cyrus has argued Miley Cyrus’s decision to drop her famous surname is a “natural progression” for a “superstar”.
On Tuesday, the Flowers hitmaker announced that she will release her tenth studio album, Bass Persuades, on 18 September.
In addition, Miley indicated she would be known mononymously going forward, having removed “Cyrus” from her Instagram handle and social media accounts.
Following the update, the former Hannah Montana star’s father, Billy, issued a statement via Instagram, in which he likened the 33-year-old to industry icons like Dolly Parton, Cher, Elvis Presley, and Prince.
“I told @miley yesterday I felt good about her going with her first name,” he captioned a throwback photo of himself with Miley and son Braison Cyrus when they were little children. “I mentioned Dolly and Cher. Thinkin 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 (sic).”
Billy went on to recall how he and then-wife Tish Cyrus nicknamed their daughter Miley as a baby. The Wrecking Ball singer was born Destiny Hope Cyrus but legally changed her name to Miley Ray Cyrus in 2008.
Elsewhere in the post, Billy described how he considered using the name “Cyrus” when he entered the music industry, finding fame with 1992’s Achy Breaky Heart.
“Bet you didn’t know… I was just CYRUS before Achy Breaky Heart came out in ’92. All of my swag and T shirts only read,” the 65-year-old added. “Now… if only (record labels) 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.”
