How education and upbringing influenced the life of Billy Ray Cyrus. A timeline of key moments.
Billy Ray Cyrus is an American singer, songwriter, and actor prominent in the country music scene. He gained widespread recognition for his hit single "Achy Breaky Heart" in 1992, which topped the U.S. Hot Country Songs chart and achieved triple platinum status in Australia, becoming the best-selling single that year. The song's music video contributed to the popularization of line dancing. Cyrus has released 16 studio albums and 53 singles since starting his music career.
August 25, 1961: Birth of Billy Ray Cyrus
On August 25, 1961, William Ray Cyrus, known as Billy Ray Cyrus, was born in Flatwoods, Kentucky.
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1986: Marriage to Cindy Smith
In 1986, Billy Ray Cyrus married Cindy Smith.
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1987: Adoption of Brandi Glenn Cyrus
In 1987, Billy Ray Cyrus adopted Brandi Glenn Cyrus, Tish Finley's daughter from a previous relationship.
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1989: Adoption of Trace Dempsey Cyrus
In 1989, Billy Ray Cyrus adopted Trace Dempsey Cyrus, Tish Finley's son from a previous relationship.
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1991: Divorce from Cindy Smith
In 1991, Billy Ray Cyrus divorced Cindy Smith.
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1992: Birth of Miley Ray Cyrus
In 1992, Billy Ray Cyrus and Tish Finley welcomed their daughter Miley Ray Cyrus.
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1992: Father of Two Children
In 1992, Billy Ray Cyrus became the father of two children with different women: Christopher Cody Cyrus and Miley Ray Cyrus.
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December 28, 1993: Marriage to Tish Finley
On December 28, 1993, Billy Ray Cyrus secretly married Leticia "Tish" Finley, who was pregnant with their second child.
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1994: Birth of Braison Chance Cyrus
In 1994, Billy Ray Cyrus and Tish Finley welcomed their son Braison Chance Cyrus.
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1995: Closure of PolyGram
In 1995, PolyGram, the record label Billy Ray Cyrus was signed to, closed its doors.
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2000: Birth of Noah Lindsey Cyrus
In 2000, Billy Ray Cyrus and Tish Finley welcomed their daughter Noah Lindsey Cyrus.
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2000: Campaign song for George W. Bush
In 2000, Billy Ray Cyrus's song "We the People" was used as a campaign song by Republican George W. Bush, even though Cyrus identified as a lifelong Democrat.
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October 26, 2010: Divorce Filing
On October 26, 2010, Billy Ray Cyrus filed for divorce from Tish Cyrus, citing irreconcilable differences.
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March 2011: Divorce Dropped
In March 2011, Billy Ray Cyrus announced that he had dropped the divorce proceedings against Tish Cyrus.
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June 13, 2013: Tish Cyrus Files for Divorce
On June 13, 2013, Tish Cyrus filed for divorce from Billy Ray Cyrus after 19 years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences.
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July 2013: Therapy and Dropped Divorce
In July 2013, Billy Ray Cyrus and Tish Cyrus were reported to be in therapy and dropped the divorce proceedings.
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April 2017: Name Change Announcement
In April 2017, Billy Ray Cyrus announced he would legally change his name to Cyrus, or "the artist formerly known as Billy Ray", however, he later assured fans his name would still be Billy Ray.
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2017: Divorce Dismissed
In 2017, the second divorce case was officially dismissed by the court since Billy Ray Cyrus and Tish Cyrus failed to appear.
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June 2021: First Grandchild
In June 2021, Billy Ray Cyrus became a grandfather for the first time when his son Braison and daughter-in-law Stella welcomed their first child.
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April 2022: Tish Files for Divorce Again
In April 2022, Tish Cyrus filed for divorce from Billy Ray Cyrus a second time, revealing they had been separated for over two years.
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August 2022: Engagement to Firerose
In August 2022, Billy Ray Cyrus became engaged to Australian singer Firerose.
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October 10, 2023: Marriage to Firerose
On October 10, 2023, Billy Ray Cyrus married Australian singer Firerose.
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May 22, 2024: Filed for divorce from Firerose
On May 22, 2024, Billy Ray Cyrus filed for divorce from Firerose citing irreconcilable differences and inappropriate marital conduct. Cyrus also requested an annulment due to fraud.
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August 5, 2024: Divorce from Firerose finalized
On August 5, 2024, Billy Ray Cyrus and Firerose finalized their divorce.
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August 8, 2024: Endorsement of Donald Trump
On August 8, 2024, Billy Ray Cyrus endorsed Republican former President Donald Trump in the 2024 US Presidential Election.
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