Billy Ray Cyrus Marks 65 Years Amid Dolly Parton's Death

Billy Ray Cyrus turned 65 on August 25, 2026, coinciding with the death of his longtime friend and fellow country music icon Dolly Parton.

The country star, known for his 1990s hit "Achy Breaky Heart" and his role alongside daughter Miley Cyrus in Disney's "Hannah Montana," shared a birthday Instagram reel featuring tributes from family and fellow artists.

Messages in the reel came from his children Noah, Miley, Braison, girlfriend Elizabeth Hurley, collaborators such as Lil Nas X, and artists including Garth Brooks and Shania Twain, as reported by geo.tv.

Dolly Parton's passing at age 80 was announced by her nephew Bryan Seaver via Instagram, fulfilling her wishes to share the news. Parton had recently acknowledged health issues while caring for her late husband Carl Dean, who died in March 2025.

Cyrus and Parton shared a friendship spanning over three decades, touring together in 1992 after Cyrus's breakthrough with "Achy Breaky Heart." Research traces them as distant relatives, connected through a common ancestor.

Parton served as honorary godmother to Cyrus's daughter Miley and appeared as "Aunt Dolly" on "Hannah Montana," reflecting their close bond beyond music.

They collaborated musically multiple times, including Cyrus's appearance in Parton's 1993 "Romeo" music video and their 2020 duet "Christmas Where We Are."

Billy Ray Cyrus was born in Flatwoods, Kentucky, on August 25, 1961, and gained major success with his debut album "Some Gave All" and the hit single "Achy Breaky Heart," which sparked a 1990s dance craze, according to americansongwriter.com.

His career expanded into Christian music in the early 2000s before gaining a new generation of fans through his role on "Hannah Montana" and a remix of Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road" in 2018.

Photos archived by UPI show highlights from Cyrus's career, including performances at major events and appearances on television.