History of Billy Ray Cyrus in Timeline

Billy Ray Cyrus is a multifaceted American entertainer, recognized as a singer, songwriter, and actor. He rose to international fame in 1992 with his hit song "Achy Breaky Heart," which topped the U.S. Hot Country Songs chart and achieved unprecedented triple platinum status in Australia, becoming its best-selling single that year. The song's popularity was amplified by its accompanying music video, which popularized the line dance. Cyrus has released 16 studio albums and 53 singles, solidifying his presence in the music industry.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1991: Divorce from Cindy Smith

In 1991, Billy Ray Cyrus divorced Cindy Smith, to whom he had been married since 1986. They co-wrote "Wher'm I Gonna Live?" and "Some Gave All".

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1992: Fatherhood to Christopher Cody and Miley Cyrus

In 1992, Billy Ray Cyrus became a father to two children with different women: Christopher Cody Cyrus, born to Kristin Luckey, and Miley Ray Cyrus, born to Leticia "Tish" Finley.

December 28, 1993: Marriage to Tish Finley

On December 28, 1993, Billy Ray Cyrus and Leticia "Tish" Finley secretly married while she was pregnant with their second child, despite advice against it from his record company.

2001: Acting Roles in "Mulholland Drive" and "Doc"

In 2001, Billy Ray Cyrus had a small role in David Lynch's film "Mulholland Drive" and played the lead in the PAX comedy-drama "Doc", which became the network's highest-rated show.

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2005: Starring in "Annie Get Your Gun"

In 2005, Billy Ray Cyrus expanded his acting career by appearing in the stage production of "Annie Get Your Gun" in Toronto, where he played the role of Frank Butler.

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March 24, 2006: Premiere of "Hannah Montana"

On March 24, 2006, Billy Ray Cyrus began co-starring with his daughter Miley Cyrus in the Disney Channel television series, "Hannah Montana", which premiered on this day.

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March 2007: Joined "Dancing with the Stars"

In March 2007, Billy Ray Cyrus joined the fourth season of the US version of "Dancing with the Stars".

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May 8, 2007: Elimination from "Dancing with the Stars"

On May 8, 2007, Billy Ray Cyrus and his partner Karina Smirnoff were eliminated from the fourth season of "Dancing with the Stars" after being in the "bottom two" the week before.

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January 2010: Release of "The Spy Next Door"

In January 2010, Billy Ray Cyrus starred in Jackie Chan's movie, "The Spy Next Door", which was released in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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October 26, 2010: Filing for Divorce

On October 26, 2010, Billy Ray Cyrus filed for divorce from Tish Cyrus in Tennessee, citing irreconcilable differences.

March 2011: Divorce Dropped

In March 2011, Billy Ray Cyrus announced that he had dropped the divorce proceedings against his wife Tish Cyrus.

May 24, 2011: Release of "I'm American" album

On May 24, 2011, Billy Ray Cyrus's new solo patriotic album, "I'm American", was released after being pushed back from its initial November 2010 schedule. The release featured a re-recording of "Some Gave All".

June 28, 2011: Release of "I'm American"

On June 28, 2011, Billy Ray Cyrus released his solo patriotic album "I'm American".

August 2011: Release of "Nineteen"

In August 2011, Billy Ray Cyrus released "Nineteen" as a single.

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October 8, 2011: "Nineteen" Charts

On October 8, 2011, Billy Ray Cyrus's song "Nineteen" entered the Hot Country Songs chart at number 58, marking his first charted single since "A Good Day" in 2009.

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October 23, 2012: Release of "Change My Mind" album

On October 23, 2012, Billy Ray Cyrus released his album "Change My Mind".

December 23, 2012: End of Broadway Engagement in "Chicago"

On December 23, 2012, Billy Ray Cyrus concluded his temporary engagement as Billy Flynn in the Broadway show "Chicago", which had begun on November 5, 2012.

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June 13, 2013: Tish Files for Divorce

On June 13, 2013, Tish Cyrus filed for divorce from Billy Ray Cyrus after 19 years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences.

July 2013: Therapy and Dropped Divorce

In July 2013, it was reported that Billy Ray Cyrus and Tish Cyrus were in therapy and had dropped the divorce proceedings.

April 2017: Name Change Announcement

In April 2017, Billy Ray Cyrus announced he would legally change his name to Cyrus on his birthday, August 25, for his album "Cyrus: Set the Record Straight", but reassured fans his name would remain Billy Ray.

October 2019: "Old Town Road" Diamond Certification

In October 2019, "Old Town Road" featuring Billy Ray Cyrus received a diamond certification by the RIAA, selling over ten million units in the United States and becoming the fastest song to achieve this milestone.

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June 2021: Becoming a Grandfather

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.

2021: "New Day" Collaboration

In 2021, Billy Ray Cyrus and Firerose, released "New Day", a collaboration featuring Firerose's vocals and Cyrus on guitar.

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April 2022: Tish Files for Divorce (Second Time)

In April 2022, Tish Cyrus filed for divorce from Billy Ray Cyrus for the second time, with divorce papers indicating they had been separated for over two years.

August 2022: Engagement to Firerose

In August 2022, Billy Ray Cyrus became engaged to Australian singer Firerose, whom he had met over a decade prior on the set of Hannah Montana.

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October 10, 2023: Marriage to Firerose

On October 10, 2023, Billy Ray Cyrus married Australian singer Firerose.

May 22, 2024: Divorce Filing from Firerose

On May 22, 2024, Billy Ray Cyrus filed for divorce from Firerose, citing irreconcilable differences and inappropriate marital conduct, also requesting an annulment based on fraud.

August 5, 2024: Divorce Finalized

On August 5, 2024, Billy Ray Cyrus's divorce from Firerose was finalized.

August 2024: Endorsement of Donald Trump

In August 2024, Billy Ray Cyrus shared a photo on Instagram endorsing Republican then-former president Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.