**Tish Cyrus Opens Up About Life After Divorce from Billy Ray Cyrus**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/tish-cyrus-billy-ray-cyrus-1-050726-d85ae07a7a3740b08c05e43eccae9f11.jpg)
In a recent episode of Chelsea Handler’s “Dear Chelsea” podcast, Tish Cyrus candidly discussed the emotional fallout from her divorce from Billy Ray Cyrus, which took place in April 2022 after more than 28 years of marriage. Reflecting on the end of a significant chapter in her life, Tish, now 58, admitted that she was caught off guard by the split, stating, “I didn’t ever really think I would get a divorce. That was not in the cards at all for me.”
The former couple, who share five children—Miley, Brandi, Noah, Trace, and Braison—faced a turbulent journey together that included both public and private challenges. Tish revealed that the shock of their separation left her feeling disoriented, recalling a state of “shock mode” during that period. Her emotional turmoil was exacerbated by the death of her mother, Loretta Finley, in 2020, which Tish described as a pivotal moment that led her to self-medicate through marijuana.
In her own words, Tish expressed how her previous use of marijuana helped numb her pain, saying, “I’ve been very open that I was a major weed smoker… I do think at that time, that was almost like medicine for me.” However, the enhanced level of anxiety she experienced eventually led her to reconsider her relationship with cannabis.
Tish credits therapy for aiding her recovery during this challenging period. “When I started therapy and I really started talking about my life… they were like, ‘Wow,’” she shared. Therapy, she believes, provided her with the tools to navigate her feelings and confront the realities of her life after the divorce.
During the podcast, Tish also discussed how she was inspired by a friend to eventually pursue a new relationship with Dominic Purcell, whom she married in 2023. Her journey to finding new love demonstrates her resilience and determination to move forward after a long and tumultuous marriage.
In addressing listeners who may be struggling with their own divorces, Tish offered valuable advice, emphasising the importance of focusing on reality over fantasy. “For me, it was really about making my brain focus on how things had gotten, how things were,” she said, acknowledging the difficulty in extricating emotion from the situation.
Her reflections made it clear that overcoming such a profound change takes time and self-reflection. “It’s so hard to believe when you’re in it that things can get better,” she added. By grounding oneself in reality, Tish noted, it becomes possible to envision a brighter future and invite new experiences into one’s life.
Tish and Billy Ray’s marriage, originally formalised in 1993, was marked by both highs and lows. In 2010, their relationship underwent a serious strain when Billy Ray filed for divorce, an action he later retracted. Tish then took the initiative to file for divorce in 2013, but they ultimately reconciled after attending marriage therapy. Their final separation came in 2022, leading to a new chapter in both their lives.
While Tish has embraced her new relationship with Purcell, Billy Ray has also moved on and married Australian singer Firerose in October 2023. By August 2024, their divorce was finalised. Recently, Billy Ray has been spotted publicly dating actress Elizabeth Hurley, signalling a new beginning for him as well.
As both Tish and Billy Ray navigate their new lives post-divorce, their stories highlight the complexities of marriage, separation, and the journey toward personal healing. Tish’s journey serves as a reminder that with time and support, it is possible to rebuild and find happiness again.