Billy Ray Cyrus is celebrating more than just his daughter’s engagement, he’s also celebrating a renewed bond with Miley Cyrus after a years-long estrangement.
The country music icon, 64, took to Instagram on Wednesday to share his excitement over Miley’s engagement to musician Maxx Morando, 27, just a day after the pop star confirmed the news at a Los Angeles movie premiere.
© Axelle/Bauer-GriffinWalking the red carpet for 'Avatar: Fire and Ash,' Miley proudly showcased a sparkling engagement ring, a custom-made Jacquie Aiche design featuring a cushion-cut stone set in a chunky 14-karat yellow gold band.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Billy Ray included a throwback photo of himself, Miley, and her godmother, Dolly Parton. “No wonder you turned out so special … You have the greatest Godmother in the world!!!” he wrote, tagging the country music legend.
© Rick DiamondHe also shared photos of Miley with Maxx at her birthday dinner on November 23, adding, “So happy you and MaxxAgazillion found each other!!!! Congratulations! Happy to see you both so happy!!!” He signed off with “love Dad” and a red heart emoji.
This public celebration is especially meaningful given the rocky history between father and daughter. The Cyrus family’s well-documented rift followed the 2022 divorce of Billy Ray and Tish Cyrus, which left Miley feeling torn and loyal to her mother.
© VALERIE MACONIn interviews, she acknowledged the strain. “I took on some of my mom’s hurt,” she told The New York Times. But in her 30s, Miley says she has reached a place of balance. “Now, in my thirties, family is my priority above all else. I'm at peace knowing bridges have been built and time has done a lot of healing. Grateful for the good health and love that flows through my family.”
The reconciliation began in earnest earlier this year, with Miley extending a unique olive branch to her dad in the form of music. In August, she gifted him a song she wrote, 'Secrets,' performed with Fleetwood Mac, for his birthday.
© Michael BucknerMiley told CBS Sunday Morning in October about Billy Ray’s reaction. “My dad cried. Everyone I say that to, they go, 'I remember when my dad cried.' You don't see your dad cry a lot… I just haven't really seen that since his dad passed away.”
Billy Ray responded publicly to the gesture, writing at the time, “For my birthday, Miley gave me the gift of music and wrote me a song called ‘Secrets’ and got my favorite musicians Fleetwood Mac to play on it! I love you Mile.”
© Kevin MazurThe song marked a turning point in their relationship, allowing the pair to communicate in a way that felt natural to them. “We didn't feel that there needed to be a whole conversation, because him and I just communicate better through song,” Miley explained.
“Once he got the song, it feels like it said something in a couple of minutes that would have taken… maybe a family with a more structured, therapeutic dynamic a lot of sessions. But instead of us doing sessions, we just do studio sessions and we send a song and we say, 'I love you.' And that feels peaceful for us.”
© Amy SussmanThe father-daughter duo’s reconciliation was also visible publicly in November when Billy Ray wished Miley a happy 33rd birthday, showing there was no bad blood lingering from their past conflicts. Posting photos from her celebration, Billy Ray wrote, “Happy birthday Smiley Miley!”
While Miley herself reflected on her milestone year, noting, “33 is already burning bright thanks to the warmth of your sweet birthday wishes. All I want this year is more laughs with the people who give me the little smile lines that are starting to show up. I love you all.”
© Chris Polk/BBMA2017Miley’s engagement to Maxx Morando also marks a joyful new chapter in her personal life. Their romance, kept largely private, became public in recent months with red carpet appearances and family gatherings.
This family moment contrasts sharply with the previous years of tension, which included Miley skipping mention of her father in her 2024 Grammys acceptance speech and focusing her support on her mother during the divorce proceedings.
