Billy Ray Cyrus has spoken for the first time about how his blossoming relationship with British actress Elizabeth Hurley came to be. The pair made their romance public on Easter Sunday, posting a photo of themselves cuddling on Instagram. Their connection began in 2022 while filming Christmas in Paradise on the Caribbean island of Nevis, but it wasn’t until recently that they rekindled their bond.
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Speaking on The Ty Bentli Show on Apple Music Country, Cyrus described going through a difficult period when Hurley reached out with a supportive message. “I felt like, ‘Can life get any tougher?’” he said. “And in that moment, a friend reached out.” Hurley’s message expressed kindness and solidarity, letting him know she was in his corner. At first, he didn’t recognise the number, but was touched to discover it was her.
Cyrus reflected on how much they unexpectedly had in common, despite appearing very different on the surface. “The oddest part was how much we laughed,” he noted. He also recalled the chemistry they shared while filming, praising Hurley’s intelligence and charm. “She reminds me a lot of Dolly Parton – very clever and a strong businesswoman,” he said, adding, “If you can laugh together, you can get through anything.”
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He also spoke warmly of his bond with Hurley’s son, Damian, calling it a blessing to have both in his life. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been this happy,” he said. Cyrus finalised his divorce from Australian singer Firerose in August, just months after their short-lived marriage. He was previously married to Cindy Smith and Tish Cyrus, with whom he shares five children, including singer Miley Cyrus. Hurley, meanwhile, shares a son with the late Steve Bing and has had past relationships with Hugh Grant, Arun Nayar, and Shane Warne.
