Billy Ray Cyrus, an American singer-songwriter and actor, holds a net worth of $10 million. Widely recognized for his breakout hit “Achy Breaky Heart,” released in 1992, he quickly made his mark on the country music scene. This iconic song shot him into stardom, leading to an equally successful debut album, Some Gave All. The album, which stayed at number one on the Billboard 200 for a remarkable 17 weeks, solidified his place in music history. His signature fusion of country and pop music earned him global recognition, selling millions of copies worldwide and garnering numerous accolades, including a Grammy nomination. Beyond music, Cyrus also gained fame for his role in the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana, where he starred as Robby Stewart alongside his daughter, Miley Cyrus. His adaptability and ongoing relevance in music were further evidenced by his collaboration with rapper Lil Nas X on the viral sensation “Old Town Road,” which captured the attention of both country and hip-hop fans alike.
Early Life
Born on August 25, 1961, in Flatwoods, Kentucky, Billy Ray Cyrus grew up in a musical environment that shaped his future. His father, Ron Cyrus, was a politician and former steelworker, while his mother, Ruth Ann Casto, was a homemaker. Raised in a household influenced by gospel music, thanks to his grandfather’s role as a Pentecostal preacher, Cyrus began displaying a talent for singing as early as age four. His parents’ divorce in 1966 didn’t deter his passion for music, which would eventually lead him to pursue it professionally. Initially attending Georgetown College on a baseball scholarship, Cyrus made the bold decision to leave in his junior year to focus on his music career.
The Music Career
Cyrus’ journey into the music industry was not without struggle. He initially played in the band Sly Dog, during which he lived in a neighbor’s car while trying to secure a record deal. His persistence paid off when he signed with Mercury Nashville Records, which led to an opening gig for Reba McEntire. His debut album, Some Gave All, released in 1992, quickly became a hit. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and featured multiple Top 40 hits. “Achy Breaky Heart” became the album’s most successful single, contributing to its 9x multi-platinum certification. The album’s success was groundbreaking, becoming the first debut album to ever top the Billboard Country Albums chart.
Following the success of Some Gave All, Cyrus released It Won’t Be the Last in 1993, which also debuted at No. 1. However, his third album, Storm in the Heartland, in 1994 did not achieve the same success, and its singles struggled to chart. Cyrus’ 1996 release, Trail of Tears, earned critical acclaim, although it faced limited commercial success. The 1998 album Shot Full of Love marked a low point in his career, failing to chart well, and it led him to leave Mercury for Monument Records in 1999.
After a brief hiatus, Cyrus made a return to the music scene in 2008, releasing six more albums. His 2019 collaboration with rapper Lil Nas X on the remix of “Old Town Road” took the charts by storm, propelling the song to No. 1 and earning him his first two Grammy Awards. Throughout his career, Billy Ray Cyrus has released 16 studio albums and 53 singles, with Achy Breaky Heart remaining his signature song. The song, which has been translated into over 100 languages, contributed to the global line dance craze and earned triple platinum status in Australia.
Acting Career
Cyrus has also pursued acting throughout his career, appearing in various TV shows and films. He starred in the TV series Doc from 2001 to 2004 and had a small role in David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive in 2001. He also participated in a stage production of Annie Get Your Gun in Toronto in 2005. While Cyrus has made several appearances in television series such as The Nanny and The Love Boat, he is most recognized for his role as Robby Stewart in the Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana, which ran from 2005 to 2011. In addition to acting, he produced the Hannah Montana movie in 2009 and served as a producer for Surprise Homecoming in 2011.
Cyrus’ film credits also include appearances in The Spy Next Door (2010), where he starred alongside Jackie Chan, and Sharknado 2: The Second One (2014). His acting career also involved co-starring with his daughter, Miley, in Dancing with the Stars, and his television production work continued with the series Still the King in 2016. Alongside acting, Cyrus has been the subject of numerous documentaries and holds a position on the advisory board of the Parents Television Council.
Accolades
Billy Ray Cyrus’ career has been recognized with numerous awards, reflecting his long-standing influence on both country and popular music. Over the years, he has won more than 40 awards, including American Music Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and World Music Awards. His standout moment came in 2020 when he earned two Grammy Awards for his involvement in the remix of “Old Town Road,” which won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Music Video. In addition, he was honored with the Bob Hope Award for Excellence in Entertainment in 1995.
Billy Ray Cyrus has been married twice and has six children, three of whom—Miley Cyrus, Noah Cyrus, and Trace Cyrus—are involved in the music industry. His first marriage to Cindy Smith in 1986 resulted in the birth of a son, Christopher, but the couple divorced in 1991. In 1993, Cyrus married actress Leticia Jean Finley, later known as Tish Cyrus. Their marriage was initially kept private, as his record label had discouraged it. Together, they had three children, including Miley. The couple lived on a 500-acre farm near Nashville before moving to Los Angeles when Miley secured her role in Hannah Montana.
Billy Ray filed for divorce in 2010, but the couple reconciled and dismissed the divorce. In 2013, Tish filed for divorce, but after attending therapy, they once again called off the separation. The couple finally divorced in 2017 after 28 years of marriage. In 2021, Cyrus became a grandfather for the first time when his son Braison and daughter-in-law Stella had their first child. Later, in 2022, Billy Ray became engaged to Australian singer Firerose.
Throughout his career, Billy Ray Cyrus has been politically active, with his song “We the People” being used by George W. Bush during the 2000 presidential campaign. Despite this, Cyrus has publicly identified as a lifelong Democrat. His personal life, marked by his family and personal growth, has only added to his multi-dimensional legacy as both a country music icon and a beloved public figure.
