Billy Ray Cyrus (born August 25, 1961) is an American singer, songwriter, and actor best known for his 1992 hit single “Achy Breaky Heart” and his role as Robby Ray Stewart in the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana alongside his daughter, Miley Cyrus. Over the years, he has released 16 studio albums and 53 singles, making a significant impact on country music.
In 2019, Cyrus experienced a career resurgence as a featured artist on Lil Nas X’s record-breaking hit “Old Town Road”, which earned him two Grammy Awards. Aside from music, he has also pursued a successful acting career, appearing in television shows such as Doc (2001-2004) and Still the King (2016-2017). Despite a series of personal and professional ups and downs, he remains an influential figure in the entertainment industry.
In this article, we will explore in-depth details about Billy Ray Cyrus, including his age, height, weight, career, net worth, early life, family, relationships, physical appearance, and lesser-known facts.
Billy Ray Cyrus Short Details
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | William Ray Cyrus |
Stage Name | Billy Ray Cyrus |
Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Actor |
Hometown | Flatwoods, Kentucky, USA |
Nationality | American |
Date of Birth | August 25, 1961 |
Age (as of 2025) | 63 years |
Height | 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm) |
Weight | Approximately 175 lbs (79 kg) |
Eye Color | Blue |
Hair Color | Brown |
Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
Education | Georgetown College (dropped out) |
Genres | Country, Country Pop |
Instruments | Vocals, Guitar |
Early Life and Education
Billy Ray Cyrus was born in Flatwoods, Kentucky, to Ron Cyrus, a steelworker and politician, and Ruth Ann Casto. He grew up in a musical family, surrounded by bluegrass and gospel music. His grandfather was a Pentecostal preacher, which further influenced his early interest in music.
Initially, Cyrus attended Georgetown College on a baseball scholarship but dropped out after realizing that music was his true passion. Inspired by a Neil Diamond concert, he set himself a goal to start a career in music within 10 months.
In the 1980s, he formed the band Sly Dog, named after his one-eyed dog, and began performing locally before eventually signing a record deal with Mercury Nashville Records.
Music Career
Breakthrough with “Achy Breaky Heart” (1992)
In 1992, Billy Ray Cyrus exploded onto the country music scene with his debut album, Some Gave All. The album featured the mega-hit “Achy Breaky Heart”, which topped the U.S. Hot Country Songs chart and became the first single to achieve triple platinum status in Australia. The music video helped popularize the line dance, making it a cultural phenomenon.
The album spent 17 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, making it the longest time spent at the top by a debut artist. It has sold over 20 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling debut album of all time for a solo male artist.
Continued Success and Decline (1993-2000)
Following his initial success, Cyrus released It Won’t Be the Last (1993) and Storm in the Heartland (1994). While they contained top-charting singles, none matched the unprecedented success of Some Gave All.
By the late 1990s, his popularity declined, and his albums, such as Trail of Tears (1996) and Shot Full of Love (1998), failed to reach the same heights. In 2000, he signed with Monument Records and released Southern Rain, which had moderate success.
Shift to Christian Music (2003-2004)
In 2003, Cyrus experimented with Christian music, releasing two Christian albums: Time Flies and The Other Side. While they performed well on Christian charts, they failed to revive his mainstream success.
Disney and “Hannah Montana” (2006-2011)
Billy Ray Cyrus saw a major career resurgence when he starred as Robby Ray Stewart, the father of Miley Cyrus’ character in Hannah Montana (2006-2011). The show’s success introduced him to a new generation of fans and led to new music opportunities.
During this period, he released the albums:
- Wanna Be Your Joe (2006)
- Home at Last (2007)
- Back to Tennessee (2009) – featured the duet “Butterfly Fly Away” with Miley Cyrus.
Comeback with “Old Town Road” (2019)
In 2019, Cyrus made a massive comeback as a featured artist on Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” remix. The song broke multiple records:
- 19 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- Earned two Grammy Awards for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Music Video.
- Became the fastest song to receive Diamond certification.
Acting Career
Aside from music, Billy Ray Cyrus has had a successful acting career, starring in:
- Doc (2001-2004) – A drama about a country doctor moving to New York City.
- Hannah Montana (2006-2011) – Played Robby Ray Stewart, Miley’s father.
- Still the King (2016-2017) – Played Vernon Brownmule, a washed-up country singer.
He has also appeared in films such as:
- Mulholland Drive (2001)
- The Spy Next Door (2010)
- Sharknado 2 (2014)
Family and Relationships
Billy Ray Cyrus has been married three times and has six children.
Spouse | Years Married | Children |
---|---|---|
Cindy Smith | 1986-1991 | None |
Tish Finley Cyrus | 1993-2023 | Miley, Noah, Braison, Brandi, Trace |
Firerose | 2023-2024 | None |
- Miley Cyrus (born 1992) – Pop superstar and actress.
- Noah Cyrus (born 2000) – Successful singer.
- Trace Cyrus (born 1989) – Musician, former Metro Station member.
- Braison Cyrus (born 1994) – Actor and musician.
In 2023, he married Firerose, an Australian singer, but filed for divorce in 2024.
Net Worth and Income Sources
Billy Ray Cyrus has multiple income sources, including music royalties, acting salaries, endorsements, and business ventures.
Net Worth (2025) | Estimated at $20-25 million |
---|---|
Primary Income Sources | Music Sales, Concerts, TV Shows |
Additional Income | Royalties, Merchandise, Real Estate |
Lesser-Known Facts About Billy Ray Cyrus
- He was almost a professional baseball player before choosing music.
- He lived in a car while struggling to get a record deal.
- “Achy Breaky Heart” was originally rejected by several artists before he recorded it.
- He owns a 500-acre farm in Tennessee.
- He is a licensed minister and has performed weddings.
Conclusion
Billy Ray Cyrus has had a long and successful career, from country music stardom to Disney fame and a Grammy-winning comeback with “Old Town Road”. Despite personal and professional ups and downs, he remains a country music legend.
“NOTE: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify details independently.”