Country music star Billy Ray Cyrus has broken his silence on his daughter Miley Cyrus's engagement, sharing a heartfelt public message just one day after the news was confirmed. This public show of support marks a significant and positive step for the father-daughter duo, who have recently mended their relationship after a years-long and contentious family feud.
A Father's Joyful Public Congratulations
On Wednesday, the 64-year-old singer took to Instagram to share his reaction to the happy news. His post featured a throwback photo of himself with Miley and her godmother, country music legend Dolly Parton, 79. Billy Ray credited Parton in his caption, writing, "No wonder you turned out so special. You have the greatest Godmother in the world!!!"
He also reshared a photo from Monday night, when Miley, 33, first debuted her sparkling engagement ring on the red carpet at the 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' premiere in Los Angeles with her now-fiancé, 27-year-old Maxx Morando. A further image, seemingly taken and shared by Maxx's father Dan Morando, showed the newly engaged couple at Miley's birthday dinner on November 23.
In his caption, Billy Ray gushed about the pair, writing, "So happy you and MaxxAgazillion found each other!!!! Congratulations! Happy to see you both so happy!!!" He signed off the post with "love Dad" and a red heart emoji.
Healing Through Music After a Family Rift
This public celebration follows a period of reconciliation earlier this year. The pop star, her father, and some siblings had been involved in a tense family rift following Billy Ray's 2022 divorce from Tish Cyrus. In October, Miley revealed she had extended a "peace offering" to her dad for his August birthday in the form of a song dedication.
The track, titled 'Secrets,' was released in September as part of the deluxe edition of her album 'Something Beautiful.' Discussing her father's reaction during an appearance on CBS Sunday Morning, Miley said, "My dad cried." She noted the rarity of the moment, adding, "I don't know if I've seen my dad cry since his dad passed away."
Miley explained that music served as their primary method of reconciliation. "We didn't feel that there needed to be a whole conversation, because him and I just communicate better through song," she stated. She described the song as saying something in minutes that might have taken many therapy sessions for another family, concluding, "But instead of us doing [therapy] sessions, we just do studio sessions and we send a song and we say, 'I love you.' And that feels peaceful for us."
A Sparkling New Beginning
The engagement itself was revealed in classic Hollywood style. On Monday, while attending the movie premiere in Los Angeles, Miley Cyrus proudly showed off a significant diamond ring on her left hand while posing with her partner, musician Maxx Morando. The public announcement and her father's swift, loving response signal a new chapter of happiness and unity for the Cyrus family.
Billy Ray's Instagram tribute not only celebrates his daughter's future marriage but also solidifies the repaired bond between them, turning a page on past conflicts and looking ahead to a joyful future.
