Miley Cyrus says she inherited ‘narcissism’ from dad Billy Ray Cyrus amid rumored rift

Read Time:2 Minute, 7 Second

Miley Cyrus has addressed her relationship with dad Billy Ray Cyrus for the first time, directly speaking out about rumors of a rift between them.

Appearing on “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman,” the “Flowers” singer praised her mom Tish Cyrus as her “hero” when Letterman asked if Billy Ray was her hero.

“He has always had a connection to reality and nature, even at the peak of his fame,” Cyrus explained to Letterman. “I’m grateful to have observed him as a role model. He’s provided me with a roadmap of what to do and what to avoid, guiding me in both.”

When asked if both parents deserve equal credit, Cyrus acknowledged that Tish and Billy Cyrus are “different” and cannot be compared on the same scale.

“I wouldn’t be here, both literally and as the person I am today, without my dad,” she emphasized. “His creativity and the way his mind works have made me feel more secure in my own thoughts because we share similar ideas.”

She credited her mom for raising her and, when pressed by Letterman about any estrangement, Cyrus responded with appreciation for her parents’ sacrifices and support.

Elsewhere in the episode, she humorously noted that she “inherited narcissism from my father,” discussing her siblings.

Cyrus has previously touched on their differing relationships with fame while promoting “Used To Be Young,” contrasting her upbringing in a stable, close-knit family environment with her father’s upbringing.

“I grew up on a soundstage in a financially and emotionally stable household, which my dad didn’t have,” she explained. “Our views on fame and success are vastly different. His emotional connection to a large audience affected him more deeply than it does me. Feeling valued by an audience is healing for him, whereas I’ve always been treated like a star.”

Last week, Billy Ray Cyrus shared a throwback photo with Miley on Instagram, expressing immense pride in her resilience and artistic talent.

He wrote in the caption, “I am immensely proud of her. She is a resilient artist who learned early to value and cherish her fans, who make everything possible. We both deeply appreciate the bond we share with our supporters and are grateful for each and every one of you!”

Earlier this week, news broke that Billy Ray Cyrus had filed for divorce from his wife Firerose (Johanna Rosie Hodges) on May 23 in Tennessee, citing irreconcilable differences and inappropriate marital conduct as reasons for the split, according to reports from People magazine and Entertainment Tonight.