Miley Cyrus Biography: A Journey of Reinvention
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- July 20, 2025
Miley Cyrus, born Destiny Hope Cyrus on November 23, 1992, in Franklin, Tennessee, is a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and actress. Known for her role as Hannah Montana, Miley Cyrus transformed from a Disney teen idol to a global pop icon with hits like “Wrecking Ball” and “Flowers.” This biography explores her early life, career highlights, struggles, controversies, personal life, social media presence, philanthropy, and lesser-known facts, showcasing her influence in 2025.
About Miley Cyrus
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Miley Ray Cyrus (born Destiny Hope Cyrus) |
| Born | November 23, 1992, Franklin, Tennessee, USA |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Philanthropist |
| Notable Work | Hannah Montana, Bangerz, Endless Summer Vacation, Something Beautiful |
| Marital Status | Divorced from Liam Hemsworth (2018–2020); Dating Maxx Morando |
| Children | None |
| Net Worth | ~$160 million (2025, Forbes) |
| Awards | 3 Grammy Awards, 5 Billboard Music Awards, Disney Legend (2024) |
Miley Cyrus’s Early Life
Tennessee Roots
Born to country star Billy Ray Cyrus and Tish Cyrus, Miley Cyrus grew up on a farm in Franklin, Tennessee. Her cheerful disposition earned her the nickname “Smiley,” later shortened to Miley. At eight, her family moved to Toronto, Canada, for her father’s role in Doc (2001), sparking her interest in acting.
Discovering Her Passion
Inspired by a Mamma Mia! performance at nine, Miley decided to pursue acting and singing. She took small roles in Doc and Tim Burton’s Big Fish (2003). Despite initial rejections for being too young, her persistence landed her the lead in Disney’s Hannah Montana at 12.
Struggles and Down Phases
Child Star Pressure
As a teen idol, Miley Cyrus faced intense pressure to maintain a perfect image. She later shared with Harper’s Bazaar that the expectations of being a role model while figuring out her identity overwhelmed her, leading to mental health struggles.
Public Backlash
Her 2013 transition to a mature image with Bangerz drew criticism. The provocative “We Can’t Stop” video and her VMAs performance with Robin Thicke shocked fans, causing a media frenzy. Additionally, her 2019 divorce from Liam Hemsworth fueled tabloid scrutiny.
Career Highlights
Hannah Montana Stardom
From 2006 to 2011, Miley Cyrus starred in Hannah Montana, becoming a teen sensation. The show’s soundtrack sold over 3 million copies, and her 2007 album Hannah Montana 2: Meet Miley Cyrus hit number one on the Billboard 200.
Chart-Topping Success
Her 2009 single “Party in the U.S.A.” went 14-times platinum, while “Wrecking Ball” (2013) became her first Billboard Hot 100 number-one. In 2023, “Flowers” from Endless Summer Vacation topped charts for eight weeks, earning two Grammy Awards. Her 2025 visual album Something Beautiful premiered at Tribeca Festival, blending music and film.
Versatile Ventures
Miley explored rock with Plastic Hearts (2020) and collaborated with Beyoncé on “II Most Wanted” (2024), winning a Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group Performance. She also coached on The Voice (2016–2017) and hosted NBC’s New Year’s Eve Party.
Personal Life
Miley married actor Liam Hemsworth in 2018 after a decade-long, on-and-off relationship, but they divorced in 2020. As of 2025, she dates drummer Maxx Morando. Living in Los Angeles, she enjoys swimming, caring for her three dogs, and practicing her Christian faith.
Controversies
2013 VMAs Performance
Miley’s twerking with Robin Thicke at the 2013 MTV VMAs sparked outrage, with the Parents Television Council condemning it. She later told Wonderland the controversy inspired her to use her platform for impact.
2008 Vanity Fair Shoot
At 15, Miley Cyrus faced backlash for a semi-nude Vanity Fair photoshoot by Annie Leibovitz. She initially apologized but later tweeted she wasn’t sorry, embracing her boldness. In 2024, her silence on the Gaza conflict led to her inclusion on the “Blockout 2024” list, prompting mixed reactions on X.
Social Media Presence
With 220 million Instagram followers (@mileycyrus) and 46 million on X (@MileyCyrus), Miley engages fans with music updates and personal insights. Her 2025 TikTok listening party for Something Beautiful at Chateau Marmont gained 30,000 likes, showcasing her digital influence.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Name Change: Legally changed her name to Miley Ray Cyrus in 2008, honoring her grandfather Ron Cyrus.
- Heart Condition: Diagnosed with tachycardia, a non-dangerous heart condition, as a teen.
- Dolly Parton: Her godmother, Dolly Parton, appeared on Hannah Montana as her character’s godmother.
- Tattoos: Has 22 tattoos, including an equals sign for LGBT rights.
- Pet Pig: Owns a pet pig named Bubba Sue, whose nails she once painted red.
- First Kiss: Shared her first kiss with Tyler Posey on her father’s show Doc.
- YouTube Show: Ran The Miley and Mandy Show with friends as a teen.
- Horseback Riding: Learned to ride horses at age two on her family’s ranch.
Philanthropy
In 2014, Miley founded the Happy Hippie Foundation, supporting homeless and LGBTQ youth. She advocates for mental health, sharing therapy sessions on Instagram to destigmatize seeking help. Additionally, her 2023 flower delivery to a superfan’s wedding reflected her personal touch in giving back.
Current Status and Influence
In 2025, Miley Cyrus boasts a $160 million net worth. Her Something Beautiful album and film, released in June, earned critical acclaim as a “pop opera.” Named the youngest Disney Legend in 2024, she continues to shape pop culture with her bold artistry and advocacy.
Conclusion
This Miley Cyrus biography highlights her evolution from a Disney star to a versatile icon. Overcoming child star pressures and controversies, Miley Cyrus redefined herself with hits like “Flowers” and impactful philanthropy. In 2025, her innovative Something Beautiful project and advocacy for youth solidify her legacy as a trailblazing artist.
