Billy Ray Cyrus took a moment to reflect on the significant women in his life through a heartfelt social media tribute, honouring his late mother, Ruth Ann “Ruthie” Casto, and his ex-wife, Tish Cyrus. The country music artist, known for his enduring contributions to the genre, shared a video of himself covering his song “Ready, Set, Don’t Go,” which was released in 2007. Accompanied by his acoustic guitar, he dedicated the performance to Miley Cyrus’s fans, affectionately known as “Hannah Montana Nation,” as well as friends at Disney.
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In his post, Cyrus expressed his affection for both women, recognising their pivotal roles as mothers. He highlighted the personal nature of the song, which deals with the bittersweet experience of watching a child follow their dreams. “Got stars in her eyes, the prize is hers to win,” he shared, illustrating the aspirational theme of the track. Tish’s birthday falls on May 13, while Ruthie’s is on May 14, marking a special occasion that Cyrus noted with fondness.
“It’s a day to celebrate two of the greatest mothers EVER,” he wrote, speaking of his late mother Ruthie and his ex-wife Tish, who has been instrumental in supporting Miley’s ambitions throughout the years. Cyrus reflected on the personal significance of the song during this time, sharing that it felt appropriate to honour Ruthie in particular, who passed away in August 2022 at the age of 85.
The couple, who were married for over 28 years, share a blended family that includes five children: Miley, Noah, Brandi, Trace, and Braison. Cyrus’s acknowledgement of Tish comes amidst their separation, which was finalised in April 2022. Despite the end of their marriage, he expressed ongoing gratitude for Tish, wishing her “peace, love, and happiness…forever.”
In a recent interview on Chelsea Handler’s podcast, “Dear Chelsea,” Tish discussed the emotional impact of their divorce. She confessed she had never anticipated a split after such a lengthy marriage, revealing that the experience left her feeling devastated and in a state of “shock mode.” She described the overwhelming adjustement she had to make, reflecting on a period in which she felt lost and uncertain.
Since the divorce, both Cyrus and Tish have moved on to new relationships. Billy Ray began dating actress Elizabeth Hurley after they met during the production of the film “Christmas in Paradise” in 2022. Their relationship became public in April 2025. However, Cyrus’s marriage to singer Firerose, which occurred in 2023, ended after just seven months.
As for Tish, she found love again and married actor Dominic Purcell in 2023, demonstrating resilience as she navigated through personal changes. Tish’s reflections on her life post-divorce show her adaptability and strength, although she admits the transition was challenging.
Billy Ray continued to promote his upcoming album “The Hill,” set for release next month on June 16, 2024. In a recent interview, Hurley expressed her admiration for the album, describing it as a beautiful mix of country and bluegrass influences. She revealed that she had already listened to it multiple times, underscoring her support for Cyrus’s musical journey.
Both Billy Ray and Tish have faced significant life changes, yet they continue to champion each other as parents and individuals. Their acknowledgments of one another and the shared love for their children remain central to their narrative, marking an ongoing testament to their mutual respect despite their separation. As they each embrace new chapters in their lives, their bond as co-parents continues to shine through, honouring the legacy of the family they built together.