Miley Cyrus has released a new song titled "Secrets," describing it as a "peace offering" to her estranged father, Billy Ray Cyrus. The 32-year-old singer shared a snippet of the ballad's music video on Instagram, indicating the track addresses their strained relationship. This release follows a period of public distance between the father and daughter, which began after her parents' divorce announcement in 2022.
The song features musicians Lindsey Buckingham and Mick Fleetwood. Cyrus stated that the song was written for "someone I had lost for a time but always loved," emphasizing that "forgiveness and freedom are one and the same." She made it clear the song's subject was her father, directly adding, "This song is for my dad."
Key Takeaways
- Miley Cyrus released "Secrets" as a reconciliatory gesture to her father, Billy Ray Cyrus.
- The song addresses their strained relationship following her parents' 2022 divorce.
- Billy Ray Cyrus publicly praised the song and his daughter on Instagram.
- The estrangement became evident after the Grammy Awards and in subsequent interviews.
Miley Cyrus Addresses Family Dynamics Through Music
Miley Cyrus has often used her music to express personal experiences and emotions. "Secrets" continues this trend, offering a direct message regarding her relationship with her father. The lyrics shared from the song highlight themes of reconciliation and unconditional love, signaling a potential shift in their dynamic.
In the chorus, Cyrus sings,
"Hero / Can I be your hero? / Call off all your forces / A white flag in the war."This imagery suggests a desire to end conflict and find common ground. The post-chorus further reinforces her commitment, with lines like, "Oh, I wanna be the one / Anywhere you run / You know I’ll follow, whoa / Anywhere you go, you know I’ll follow."
The second verse of "Secrets" delves deeper into the nature of love and freedom within a relationship. Cyrus sings, "Love is not a prison / I’m not a guard, no / So even when I’m holding you / I won’t lock you up / You can come and go as you want / Would you like to be lonely? / Your word is all I want." These lines suggest a desire for a relationship built on trust and mutual respect, rather than control.
Song Details
- Title: Secrets
- Artist: Miley Cyrus
- Featured Artists: Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood
- Release Date: September 2025 (snippet shared September 19, 2025)
- Theme: Forgiveness, reconciliation, familial love
Billy Ray Cyrus Responds to Daughter's Gesture
Following the release of the song snippet and Miley's dedication, Billy Ray Cyrus, 64, publicly acknowledged and praised his daughter. He responded on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the track. "Thank you @mileycyrus for Secrets… a song straight from your heart to mine," he wrote. He also shared sentiments about their shared history and his pride in her musical achievements.
His message continued, "The memories we’ve made together mean the world to me, and seeing you soar with your music makes me prouder every single day." This public response from Billy Ray suggests a positive reception to Miley's musical olive branch, indicating a possible thawing of their strained relationship.
Background on Family Estrangement
The estrangement between Miley and Billy Ray Cyrus began in April 2022. This was when Billy Ray and Miley's mother, Tish Cyrus, announced their divorce after nearly 30 years of marriage. The divorce created tension within the family, impacting Miley's relationship with her father.
According to an E! News source in October 2022, "The divorce between her parents [has] put a strain on her relationship with her dad, and it’s been hard to connect with him in the last year." The source added that Miley hoped they could eventually work on their relationship.
Public Indications of Strain and Reconciliation
The public became more aware of the strained relationship after Miley Cyrus won her first Grammy Award for her song "Flowers" in February of the previous year. During her acceptance speech, she did not mention or thank her father, which many observers noted as a significant omission. This fueled speculation about a family feud.
Four months later, Miley discussed her father during an episode of David Letterman's "My Next Guest Needs No Introduction" series. She expressed gratitude for having watched Billy Ray's journey as a musician. "He’s almost given me this map. There is a map of what to do and what not to do. And he’s guided me on both," she explained. She also acknowledged that her father "had a really rough childhood."
Recent Developments in Their Relationship
In May, the "Hannah Montana" star addressed family rumors on her Instagram Story. While she clarified that she was not feuding with her mother, Tish, she also spoke about her father. "My dad and I have had our challenges over the years. Now, in my thirties, family is my priority above all else," Miley wrote.
Her statement at the time indicated a path toward healing. She added, "I’m at peace knowing bridges have been built and time has done a lot of healing. Grateful for the good health and love that flows through my family." This earlier statement suggests that reconciliation efforts were already underway before the release of "Secrets."
In recent months, Billy Ray Cyrus has also publicly congratulated Miley on various career achievements. These gestures, combined with Miley's new song, suggest a hopeful period for the father-daughter duo as they work to rebuild their connection after a challenging period.
- April 2022: Tish and Billy Ray Cyrus announce divorce after nearly 30 years.
- October 2022: Sources confirm strain in Miley and Billy Ray's relationship.
- February (previous year): Miley wins Grammy, does not thank father in speech.
- May (current year): Miley posts on Instagram about family challenges and healing.
- September 2025: Miley releases "Secrets" as a "peace offering" to her father.