**Billy Ray Cyrus Skips Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary to Focus on New Music**
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The recent premiere of the Hannah Montana 20th anniversary special in Los Angeles brought nostalgia and excitement for fans of the beloved Disney series. However, the event was notably missing one key figure: Billy Ray Cyrus, who portrayed Robby Ray Stewart, the father of Miley Cyrus’s character. While he was absent from the star-studded guest list, he still featured prominently in the special itself.
Cyrus, now 64, took to Instagram on the night of the premiere to share that he was busy working on music in Nashville with his children, Noah and Braison. In his post, he expressed enthusiasm about preparing for a performance on the Today Show scheduled for Good Friday, stating, “Been in the studio all night in Nashville working on my new record with my youngins Braison and Noah.” He further added, “Dang feels like this is my ‘Sweet Niblets’ Sweet 16 on the road to the Final Four!”
The term “Sweet Niblets,” a recurring phrase from the series, evoked fond memories for fans and underscored the familial bond the show portrayed. The original series aired for four successful seasons from 2006 to 2011, capturing the hearts of audiences and steering Miley Cyrus to stardom.
Meanwhile, Miley Cyrus, aged 33, attended the premiere surrounded by her family, including her mother Tish, who is 58, her sister Brandi, aged 38, and her fiancé Maxx Morando, 27. Miley expressed her excitement about her father’s participation in the special while speaking with host Alex Cooper, noting, “I know how much our relationship means to everyone that watched the show.”
The drive to mend and maintain their relationship has been evident for both Cyrus family members, especially in light of past family turmoil. Miley remarked, “I think that when me and my dad are good, people feel better,” indicating how their harmony resonates with fans. “It just feels good when the Cyruses are getting along,” she added.
In the special, Billy Ray reminisces about auditioning for Hannah Montana alongside Miley, highlighting the closeness of their bond. In a light-hearted moment, he recalled wanting the person who auditioned before him to secure the role, to which Miley quipped, “You were always the guy trying to give the other guy the job.” To this, Billy Ray asserted, “I couldn’t change it if I tried to,” emphasising the fate that brought them together on the series.
The touching father-daughter dynamic was not only appreciated by viewers but also evidenced in their efforts to recreate their signature handshake during the reunion. Miley enthusiastically shared, “This was meant for us. We went and did our handshake, we sang together.”
In the weeks leading up to the premiere, Billy Ray had actively promoted the special on social media, expressing his parental pride by stating, “Robby Ray’s still the proudest dad in the world.” His Instagram account is filled with moments celebrating his children’s accomplishments, including a recent post applauding Braison’s new album, From Now On, which he highlighted on March 14.
In a reflective post, he shared a snapshot of himself with Braison, 31, and Noah, 26, during an album release event. “Had one of those nights that reminds you what really matters,” he wrote, showcasing his pride as both a father and a fan. He found joy in watching his children perform at the iconic Franklin Theatre, concluding with a heartfelt, “So proud of them.”
Looking ahead, fans can anticipate new music from Billy Ray Cyrus, as he announced the upcoming release of his single “On Our Way Along,” set to launch on April 3. With a career that spans decades, Billy Ray continues to forge his path while supporting his family’s musical journey, ensuring the legacy of their connections extends well beyond the screen.