Billy Ray Cyrus, the iconic singer behind the hit “Achy Breaky Heart,” has had a rollercoaster of a relationship with Australian singer Firerose. Born William Ray Cyrus on August 25, 1961, the 63-year-old country music legend has amassed an estimated net worth of $20 million, thanks to his prolific career in music, television, and acting. Firerose, whose real name is Johanna Rose Hodges, is a 29-year-old singer-songwriter from Sydney, Australia, whose net worth is reported to be around $500,000. The couple’s whirlwind romance, marked by quick engagements and a brief marriage, came to a stunning halt in May 2024, just seven months after they tied the knot.
What Led to the Divorce?
Billy Ray filed for divorce from Firerose in May 2024, citing irreconcilable differences and inappropriate marital conduct. According to an insider, the divorce stemmed from deep personal and financial issues. The source revealed to PEOPLE that Billy Ray felt Firerose had married him for financial gain rather than love. Despite the relatively short duration of their marriage, the couple’s relationship quickly spiraled into turmoil, with both parties publicly airing their grievances.
Firerose later accused Billy Ray of emotional, psychological, and verbal abuse, claiming the marriage was marked by manipulation and mistreatment. Following the divorce filing, Billy Ray took legal action by seeking a temporary restraining order against his estranged wife, barring her from using his personal and business accounts.
How Did Billy Ray and Firerose Meet?
Billy Ray and Firerose first collaborated musically in 2021 when they released their joint single “New Day.” Firerose, who had been an aspiring singer-songwriter for years, described the collaboration as a turning point in her career, calling Billy Ray a mentor and longtime friend. Over time, their musical relationship blossomed into something more, leading to rumors of a romance in 2022. The couple confirmed their relationship when Firerose paid tribute to Billy Ray on his birthday in August of that year.
Their connection deepened over the following year, culminating in a surprise engagement in September 2022, when Firerose posted a photo of a large diamond ring on her finger. Billy Ray confirmed the engagement in November 2022, praising Firerose as “the real deal.”
Why Did They Marry So Quickly?
In October 2023, after a year of engagement, Billy Ray and Firerose tied the knot in a private ceremony. Their Instagram announcement described the day as “the most perfect, ethereal celebration of love” they could have imagined. The quick pace of their relationship—engagement just one year after they started dating, followed by a rapid wedding—raised eyebrows among fans and the media.
It wasn’t long after the wedding that reports began to surface about the strain in their marriage. Despite their blissful public images, insiders suggested that their relationship may have been under pressure from the start. Billy Ray’s past experiences with relationships, notably his 28-year marriage to Tish Cyrus, seemed to weigh heavily on his new marriage to Firerose. Many speculated that Billy Ray might have rushed into this marriage to rekindle his happiness after his long and public divorce from Tish.
How Did Music Factor Into Their Relationship?
Music played a significant role in the connection between Billy Ray and Firerose. Both artists had a deep passion for songwriting and collaborated on several tracks during their short time together. Their musical output included hits like “Time,” “Silent Night,” and “Plans,” each reflecting their personal and professional bond.
In fact, it was through their music that Firerose’s feelings for Billy Ray deepened. She openly discussed how writing and performing alongside him helped her through tough personal times. For Billy Ray, their musical projects seemed to represent a new chapter in his life, especially after a string of personal challenges, including his separation from Tish.
However, despite their shared creative endeavors, their marriage crumbled behind closed doors. As their musical collaboration continued, the cracks in their relationship widened, culminating in their highly publicized split in 2024.
What Did Firerose and Billy Ray’s Split Reveal About Their Personal Lives?
Billy Ray’s divorce filing revealed just how quickly their relationship soured. While fans initially celebrated their union, believing it to be a fairytale romance, it soon became evident that the couple faced significant underlying issues. As Billy Ray filed for divorce, Firerose reportedly chose not to fight for a financial settlement, wanting only to distance herself from the volatile relationship.
Sources close to the couple claimed that Firerose had endured significant emotional and psychological stress during the marriage, with some reports suggesting that Billy Ray’s behavior was at times harsh and manipulative. This contrasted with their public persona as a loving, committed couple, showing that, behind the scenes, all was not well.
What’s Next for Billy Ray and Firerose?
As of now, Billy Ray and Firerose have gone their separate ways. Following the divorce settlement in August 2024, it appears the country music star is focusing on his career and personal healing. Firerose, meanwhile, is reportedly taking the time to reflect on her own journey and healing after a tumultuous few months.
Their brief but intense romance serves as a reminder that even those who seem destined for love can face insurmountable challenges. For now, both Billy Ray and Firerose are moving on, with their music continuing to stand as a lasting testament to their time together.
As time moves forward, fans will be watching closely to see how both artists rebuild their personal and professional lives, hopefully finding the happiness they deserve.