Billy Ray Cyrus, born August 25, 1961, in Flatwoods, Kentucky, went from 1992's "Achy Breaky Heart" to a record-breaking 19 weeks at No. 1 with Lil Nas X on "Old Town Road" — and into a new chapter with his October 2026 engagement to Elizabeth Hurley, according to reports by Page Six.
Across more than three decades in music and television, Cyrus has released 16 studio albums and 53 singles, starred on the Disney Channel, and returned to the top of the charts with one of the biggest songs of the streaming era. This biography covers his age, career, songs, family, and the latest reports about his personal life.
Billy Ray Cyrus — Quick Facts
Born: August 25, 1961, Flatwoods, Kentucky
Age: 65 (as of 2026)
Genres: Country, country rock
Years active: 1989–present
Studio albums: 16
Singles: 53
Early Life And Breakthrough
William Ray Cyrus was born on August 25, 1961, in Flatwoods, Kentucky, USA, to Ron Cyrus, a steelworker who later became a Kentucky state legislator, and Ruth Ann Casto. He grew up in Flatwoods and began his music career in the late 1980s before breaking through in 1992.
His breakthrough single, "Achy Breaky Heart," topped the US Hot Country Songs chart in 1992 and became the first single ever to achieve triple platinum status in Australia, where it was the best-selling single of 1992. His debut album, "Some Gave All," released the same year, went 9x multi-platinum in the United States.
More hit singles followed, including "Could've Been Me," "She's Not Cryin' Anymore," "In the Heart of a Woman," and "Busy Man." In 2007, he recorded "Ready, Set, Don't Go," a duet with his daughter Miley Cyrus. For more on his daughter, read the Miley Cyrus biography.
Acting Career
Cyrus moved into acting in the early 2000s, starring as Dr. Clint Cassidy in the television series "Doc" from 2001 to 2004. He then played Robby Ray Stewart on Disney Channel's "Hannah Montana" from 2006 to 2011, appearing opposite his real-life daughter Miley. In 2022, he starred in "Christmas in Paradise" alongside Elizabeth Hurley.
Old Town Road And The Comeback
In 2019, Cyrus joined Lil Nas X on the remix of "Old Town Road," released on April 5, 2019. The song became his first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 and spent 19 consecutive weeks at the top, a record at the time. The remix won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Music Video at the 62nd Grammy Awards in 2020. Read the Lil Nas X biography for more on the song's breakout star.
Family And Personal Life
Cyrus has been married three times: to Cindy Smith from 1986 to 1991; to Tish Finley, whom he married on December 28, 1993, and divorced in 2023; and to Firerose, whom he married in October 2023, with their divorce finalized on August 5, 2024. He has six children: Miley, Noah, Braison, Trace, Brandi, and Christopher Cody.
He has been dating Elizabeth Hurley since April 2025. The two met while filming "Christmas in Paradise" in 2022. In October 2026, his engagement to Hurley was reported by Page Six on October 16, 2026; according to reports, the couple has not confirmed the engagement. Read the Billy Ray Cyrus and Elizabeth Hurley engagement news, and the Elizabeth Hurley biography, for more background.
Watch The Official Video
Watch the official movie for Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road" featuring Billy Ray Cyrus below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Billy Ray Cyrus?
Billy Ray Cyrus was born on August 25, 1961, so he is 65 years old as of 2026.
What is Billy Ray Cyrus famous for?
He is best known for his 1992 hit "Achy Breaky Heart" and his debut album "Some Gave All," for playing Robby Ray Stewart on "Hannah Montana," and for the record-breaking "Old Town Road" remix with Lil Nas X.
How long was Old Town Road at No. 1?
The "Old Town Road" remix spent 19 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, a record at the time.
Who is Billy Ray Cyrus engaged to?
According to reports by Page Six on October 16, 2026, Billy Ray Cyrus is engaged to Elizabeth Hurley. The engagement has not been confirmed by the couple.
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