In a recent episode of the 'Call Her Daddy' podcast, Tish Cyrus, mother of pop star Miley Cyrus, opened up about her 'complete psychological breakdown' that ultimately led to her decision to divorce her husband, Billy Ray Cyrus, in 2020. Tish, 56, shared that the same year her mother passed away, she found herself facing her two biggest fears: being alone and losing her mother.
Tish described the tumultuous period, saying, 'I just don’t know if I’ll survive when my mom dies.' She revealed that she experienced a month-long psychological breakdown, which was undoubtedly one of the most challenging times of her life. Seeking help, Tish reached out to celebrity psychiatrist Daniel Amen, whom she asked to admit her to a mental hospital. However, Amen wisely advised against it, stating that it was not the best solution for either of them.
During this difficult period, Tish found herself unable to eat, sleep, or stop crying. The stress and emotional toll took a toll on her physical health as well, causing her to lose a substantial amount of weight. Tish expressed her fear of not having her mother by her side and the added sadness of losing her husband, whom she had been married to for 30 years.
Tish went on to explain that while Billy Ray had gone to Tennessee during the COVID-19 pandemic, she remained in California, where Miley resides. It became evident to her that their marriage had been deteriorating for a long time. Tish admitted that she had stayed in the relationship out of fear of being alone. However, the solitude she experienced during the separation turned out to be transformative for her.
Prior to their official divorce in April 2022, Tish and Billy Ray had experienced brief separations in 2010 and 2013. However, this time, Tish knew that the separation would be permanent. She described the pivotal moment when she looked at herself and questioned her choices, realizing that she needed to move on. Despite never wanting to get a divorce, Tish recognized that changing herself to appease her husband had only led to the unraveling of their marriage.
Tish waited two years before officially filing for divorce, and during that time, both she and Billy Ray swiftly moved on in their personal lives. Billy Ray got engaged to fellow musician Joanna 'Firerose' Hodges in August 2022, and they tied the knot the following October. Meanwhile, Tish accepted a marriage proposal from 'Prison Break' star Dominic Purcell in April 2023 and they exchanged vows in August.
The divorce seemed to create a divide within the Cyrus family, as some members attended Tish's wedding while others attended Billy Ray's. Miley Cyrus, in particular, made headlines for thanking her mother but excluding her father in her Grammy acceptance speech. Although there has been speculation about tensions within the family, Miley clarified that she hadn't intentionally left anyone out while also injecting some humor into the situation.
Tish Cyrus' journey toward self-discovery and the decision to end her marriage serves as a reminder that sometimes difficult circumstances can lead to personal growth and transformation. While divorce is never easy, it's essential for individuals to prioritize their happiness and well-being. The Cyrus family continues to navigate these changes, reminding us that even in moments of turmoil, there is always room for healing and new beginnings.
