Miley Cyrus has released a new song titled "Secrets," a heartfelt dedication to her father, Billy Ray Cyrus. The track, which features collaborations with Fleetwood Mac members Lindsey Buckingham and Mick Fleetwood, addresses their past family challenges and signals a period of reconciliation. This musical offering was shared on September 19, marking a significant moment in their public relationship.
Key Takeaways
- Miley Cyrus released "Secrets" on September 19, dedicated to Billy Ray Cyrus.
- The song features Lindsey Buckingham and Mick Fleetwood.
- Miley wrote "Secrets" as a "peace offering" after a period of estrangement.
- The lyrics focus on forgiveness, trust, and rebuilding their father-daughter bond.
- Billy Ray Cyrus initially shared details about the song on his 64th birthday.
A Musical Olive Branch for Family Reconciliation
Miley Cyrus, 32, described "Secrets" as a "peace offering" for someone she had temporarily lost but always loved. She shared her sentiments on Instagram, emphasizing the connection between forgiveness and freedom. The collaboration with legendary musicians Lindsey Buckingham and Mick Fleetwood added a unique sonic quality to the track, which Miley specifically thanked them for.
The ballad reflects deeply on her relationship with Billy Ray. The song's instrumentation includes soft, 1980s-inspired guitars, creating a reflective and intimate atmosphere. This musical choice complements the emotional weight of the lyrics, highlighting a journey towards healing.
"This song was written as a peace offering for someone I had lost for a time but always loved," Miley Cyrus stated on Instagram. "In my experience, forgiveness and freedom are one and the same. Thank you to Lindsey Buckingham & Mick Fleetwood for bringing magic to the music. This song is for my dad."
Lyrics Expressing Trust and Support
In the first verse of "Secrets," Miley reassures her father of her commitment to keeping his confidences. She sings, "Secrets, I wanna keep your secrets / Like sunlight in the shadows / Like footsteps in the grass." This imagery conveys a sense of quiet loyalty and protection. The lyrics continue to build on this theme, promising unwavering support: "I won't ever break my promise / Like a songbird in the silence / Like stones against the glass."
The chorus further reinforces Miley's dedication to repairing their bond. She expresses a desire to be a safe haven for her father, particularly after their reconciliation in May. This followed a period of estrangement after Billy Ray's divorce from Miley's mother, Tish Cyrus, was finalized in 2022. Miley hopes to become his "hero" and a source of peace, singing, "Hero / Can I be your hero? / Call off all your forces / A white flag in the war."
Song Origins
- Billy Ray Cyrus first mentioned "Secrets" last month.
- He revealed Miley gifted him the song for his 64th birthday.
- Miley confirmed she wrote it earlier in the summer.
The Genesis of "Secrets" and Family Dynamics
Billy Ray Cyrus had previously shared details about "Secrets" in August, revealing that Miley had given him the song for his 64th birthday. While he was the first to preview the track's production, Miley confirmed she had written the song earlier in the summer. During a June 10 appearance on Monica Lewinsky's 'Reclaiming' podcast, Miley explained her motivation behind the song.
"I wrote this song about my dad," she stated on the podcast. "I wanted to be the one he felt safe enough to tell me the things that were damning and damaging to the family. I wanted him to think that as a middle child, I’m old enough that I could take some of that." This reveals her intention to step into a supportive role during a challenging family period, particularly after her parents' separation.
Miley recounted taking the initial steps to mend her relationship with her father. She aimed to create a positive environment first, believing that happiness and joy could pave the way for deeper conversations. "I just kind of bust through the pile that’s stacked, and just go, ‘I’m here. You’re here. Let’s start by having a good time together,"' she explained. "And then as we start bringing some happiness and joy into each other’s life, then we’ll just be in a better place to have these conversations. ‘Cause I’d rather get it balanced first."
Cyrus Family Background
Billy Ray Cyrus married Tish Cyrus (née Leticia Finley) on December 28, 2003. At that time, they already had daughter Destiny Hope Cyrus (Miley) and Tish was pregnant with Braison. Billy Ray adopted Tish's children, Brandi and Trace, from her previous marriage. Together, they also had Noah Cyrus. The family's public life included their roles in the Disney Channel show 'Hannah Montana' from 2006 to 2010, where Billy Ray played Miley's on-screen father.
A Tumultuous Family History and Recent Developments
The Cyrus family has experienced several public challenges over the years. Billy Ray and Tish initially announced their divorce in October 2010 but reconciled the following year. They filed for divorce again in June 2013, only to reconcile a month later after attending couple's counseling. During one of these periods, Miley publicly addressed her father on Twitter, indicating a strained communication.
Tish filed for divorce a third time in April 2022, citing "irreconcilable differences." Her petition noted that she and Billy Ray had not lived together since February 2020. In a joint statement to People, they acknowledged their 30-year journey, five children, and a lifetime of memories, stating it was time to create their own paths. They emphasized their continued commitment as friends and parents.
New Chapters for Billy Ray and Tish
Following their divorce, both Billy Ray and Tish embarked on new relationships. Billy Ray quietly became engaged to Australian singer Firerose, 27 years his junior, in August 2022, confirming the news in November. Their relationship evolved from a friendship during the COVID-19 pandemic. Billy Ray described Firerose as a "light of positivity" and a "best friend," with their musical connection deepening into a profound love.
Meanwhile, Tish went Instagram-official with 'Prison Break' actor Dominic Purcell around November 2022. They announced their engagement in April 2023 and married in August of the same year in Malibu. Miley, Trace, and Brandi were present, supporting their mother. Miley told Vogue that seeing her mother so happy and in love was "very emotional" for her.
Recent Marriages
- Tish Cyrus married Dominic Purcell in August 2023.
- Billy Ray Cyrus married Firerose on October 10, 2023.
Ongoing Family Dynamics and Public Statements
Despite these new beginnings, reports suggested a continued strain in Miley's relationship with her father. A source close to Miley told E! News in October 2022 that she was not supportive of her father's engagement to Firerose and did not have a relationship with her future stepmother. The source indicated that the divorce had put a strain on their bond, and Miley hoped they could eventually work on it.
Billy Ray, however, stated to People in November 2022 that his family had "no hard feelings" about his engagement, asserting that "everyone's turning the page." He and Firerose married on October 10, 2023, describing it as a "beautiful, joyous day."
The perceived rift was evident at the 2024 Grammys on February 4, where Miley won Record of the Year for "Flowers." Tish, Brandi, and Miley's boyfriend Maxx Morando received shout-outs during her acceptance speech, but Billy Ray was not mentioned. Miley concluded her speech by saying, "I don't think I forgot anyone," which many observers noted.
Trace Cyrus's Public Concerns
On January 22, 2025, Trace Cyrus posted on Instagram expressing concern for his father. He wrote, "Me and the girls have been genuinely worried about you for years but you’ve pushed all of us away." He specifically mentioned Noah, stating, "Noah desperately has wanted you to be a part of her life and you haven't even been there for her."
Billy Ray's Response and Subsequent Reconciliation
Following Trace's public comments, Billy Ray posted a YouTube Shorts video on January 26, 2025, captioning it, "Praying for my family. For my children … sons and daughters…and their mother." In March 2025, he shared a touching tribute to Miley and Noah on Instagram, praising their latest music projects and expressing immense pride. "I’m so damn proud of both of you. I’m actually crying as I write this. Thank God you can’t see me," he wrote.
In May 2025, Billy Ray posted a photo on Instagram with Miley, her boyfriend Maxx Morando, and his son Braison Cyrus, seemingly at his farm in Tennessee. He captioned it, "Happy Birthday Braison!!!!" One day later, Miley addressed the family rift rumors directly on Instagram. She acknowledged that she and her dad "have had our challenges over the years."
Miley concluded her statement, "Now, in my thirties, family is my priority above all else. 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 public statement from Miley indicates a significant step forward in their relationship, reinforcing the themes of healing and forgiveness present in her new song, "Secrets."