Billy Ray Cyrus And Firerose Have A Much Bigger Age Gap Than We Realized

The singer behind "Achy Breaky Heart" opened up about his growing connection with Firerose in an interview with People. According to Billy Ray Cyrus, their paths first crossed in 2010 when Firerose visited the set of "Hannah Montana." While her exact birth date remains unconfirmed, reports suggest Firerose was born in the late eighties. Media outlets mostly portray Billy Ray, born in 1961, as being 28 years her senior. This would place Firerose at around 21 years old when they first met, with Billy Ray being 49.

Reflecting on their initial encounter, Billy Ray recalled, "There was almost a moment of, I don't know, recognition. I was like, 'This girl's a star.'" Their connection deepened over a shared love of music, and they remained close friends over the years. Things took a romantic turn during the COVID-19 pandemic, which coincided with Billy Ray's marital issues with Tish Cyrus, when they started collaborating on music. 

Firerose explained, "Billy confided in me a lot of what was going on in his life. I was just the best friend I could possibly be, supporting him." On numerous occasions, they've both taken to their Instagram accounts to express their affection for one another. In the caption accompanying the initial photo that Billy Ray posted of the two, he noted simply, "Music changes everything."