Pop star Miley made headlines when she removed “Cyrus” from her social media handles recently, sparking speculation among fans. Some wondered if this move was related to her connection with her honorary godmother, Dolly Parton, or a rift with her famous father, Billy Ray Cyrus. Others speculated about its link to her upcoming album release.

Billy Ray Cyrus clarified the situation through a social media post today. Sharing a throwback photo with his kids, he revealed that he always referred to his daughter as Miley, a nickname derived when she was a smiling baby. Miley, originally named Destiny Hope Cyrus, earned her moniker from her father, who introduced her to Dolly Parton during his time as the country icon’s opening act. Both Billy Ray and Miley mourned the recent passing of Parton, emphasizing the importance of family during this time.

Billy Ray, who marked his 65th birthday on the day of Parton’s demise, expressed support for Miley’s decision to go by her first name only, drawing parallels to iconic figures like Dolly and Cher. He characterized this as a natural progression for a superstar of Miley’s stature, suggesting it represents a rebrand rather than an official name change.

Miley’s upcoming tenth studio album, “Bass Persuades,” is scheduled for release on September 18, with two concerts planned at the Hollywood Bowl in October. Excited about performing in Los Angeles, she shared her anticipation on Instagram, emphasizing her deep connection to the city.