Billy Ray Cyrus Biography: Age, Career, Wife, Children, Net Worth

Who Is Billy Ray Cyrus?

Billy Ray Cyrus is an American country singer, songwriter and actor best known for his 1992 hit Achy Breaky Heart.

He became a major country music star with his debut album, Some Gave All, before expanding into acting. 

He later became known to a new generation for playing Robby Ray Stewart alongside his daughter, Miley Cyrus, in the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana.

Early Life and Education

Billy Ray Cyrus was born William Ray Cyrus on August 25, 1961, in Flatwoods, Kentucky, United States.

He was raised by his parents, Ron Cyrus and Ruth Ann Cyrus. His father worked in the steel industry and later became involved in politics, while music was also an important part of his family life.

Billy Ray began singing at a young age and grew up surrounded by gospel, bluegrass and country music. His grandfather was a Pentecostal preacher, which also influenced his early exposure to music.

He attended Georgetown College in Kentucky on a baseball scholarship. Although sports initially played an important role in his life, Billy Ray eventually decided that music was the path he wanted to pursue.

He left college before completing his degree and focused on building a career as a musician.

Before finding success, Billy Ray performed in small venues and spent years trying to establish himself in the music industry.

Career

Billy Ray Cyrus began pursuing music professionally during the late 1980s. His career changed dramatically in 1992 when he released his debut album, Some Gave All. The album became a major commercial success and introduced him to a global audience.

The album featured Achy Breaky Heart, which became his signature song. Its popularity turned Billy Ray into one of the biggest country music stars of the early 1990s.

Some Gave All was followed by successful songs including Could’ve Been Me, She’s Not Cryin’ Anymore and Some Gave All.

Billy Ray later released several more albums and continued recording throughout the following decades.

Acting Career

Billy Ray expanded into acting and television in the early 2000s.

He played Dr. Clint Cassidy in the television drama Doc, which ran from 2001 to 2004.

His biggest acting role came in 2006 when he joined the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana.

Billy Ray played Robby Ray Stewart, the father and manager of the character played by his real-life daughter, Miley Cyrus.

The series became a major international success and introduced Billy Ray to an entirely new generation of fans.

He also appeared in films including Mulholland Drive, The Spy Next Door, Hannah Montana: The Movie and Sharknado 2: The Second One.

He later starred in the comedy series Still the King. In 2019, Billy Ray Cyrus experienced another major career milestone after appearing on the remix of Lil Nas X’s Old Town Road.

The song became a worldwide phenomenon and spent a record-breaking 19 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

The collaboration introduced Billy Ray to a younger global audience and became one of the biggest commercial successes of his career.

Billy Ray has continued recording and releasing music in recent years. He has collaborated with artists including Lil Nas X, Firerose, Yung Lan, Brandon Manley, Ben Burgess and Noah Cyrus.

He has also worked closely with his son, Braison Cyrus, on newer music projects.

In 2026, Billy Ray remained active in the music industry, continuing to release new songs while also taking part in projects connected to the legacy of Hannah Montana.

Personal Life

Billy Ray Cyrus has been married three times. His first marriage was to Cindy Smith. The couple married in 1986 and divorced in 1991.

He later began a relationship with Tish Cyrus. The couple married in 1993 and had a long marriage that produced several children before their divorce was finalised in 2022.

Billy Ray also adopted Tish’s two children, Brandi Cyrus and Trace Cyrus, from her previous relationship.

In 2023, Billy Ray married Australian singer Firerose. Their marriage ended less than a year later, with their divorce being finalised in 2024.

In 2025, Billy Ray publicly confirmed his relationship with actress and model Elizabeth Hurley.

The couple had originally met while working on the film Christmas in Paradise and later reconnected. Their relationship has remained public, with the pair appearing together at major events and sharing aspects of their life together.

As of 2026, Billy Ray Cyrus and Elizabeth Hurley are still together.

Billy Ray Cyrus’ Children

Billy Ray Cyrus has six children.

• Brandi Cyrus
• Trace Cyrus
• Christopher Cody Cyrus
• Miley Cyrus
• Braison Cyrus
• Noah Cyrus

Brandi and Trace were adopted by Billy Ray after his marriage to Tish Cyrus.

Christopher Cody Cyrus was born from Billy Ray’s previous relationship with Kristin Luckey.

Miley, Braison and Noah are his biological children with Tish Cyrus.

Several of his children have pursued careers in entertainment and music, including Miley Cyrus, Noah Cyrus, Trace Cyrus and Braison Cyrus.

Billy Ray Cyrus has spent much of his life balancing music, acting and family.

His relationship with his children has often attracted public attention, particularly because several members of the Cyrus family have become successful entertainers.

He has also remained connected to his Kentucky roots and country lifestyle despite decades in the entertainment industry.

In recent years, his relationship with Elizabeth Hurley has become a major part of his public life.

The couple have shared their interest in country living and have spent time between Tennessee and England.

Social Media

• Instagram: @billyraycyrus
• X: @billyraycyrus
• Facebook: Billy Ray Cyrus

Billy Ray Cyrus’ Net Worth

Billy Ray Cyrus has an estimated net worth of around $20 million.

His wealth comes from his long career in music, including album sales, streaming, royalties, touring and songwriting.

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