Country music star Billy Ray Cyrus and actress Elizabeth Hurley have officially announced their engagement, confirming a relationship that has attracted considerable public attention due to their disparate backgrounds. The couple, who began dating in early 2025, are currently celebrating their new status as fiancés.
The engagement was revealed several weeks after the pair’s relationship became public. Hurley, 61, was seen wearing a prominent diamond ring and has expressed visible happiness. Cyrus, 65, known for his music career and as the father of pop singer Miley Cyrus, has remained relatively reserved on the matter but is reported to be equally delighted by the development.
Friends suggest that Cyrus, who has been married three times before, regarded the recent passing of his close friend Dolly Parton as a catalyst for committing seriously to Hurley. It is said that Parton's death underscored for him the importance of seizing happiness when it arises. Hurley’s romantic history has included long-term partnerships and previous marriages, but friends describe her as joyful about this new chapter.
The couple’s relationship has drawn interest in part because of their contrasting personas and life experiences. Hurley has been involved in film, modeling, farming, and swimwear design, while Cyrus’s roots remain firmly planted in the country music world and Tennessee. Despite their differences, sources indicate a mutual affection and admiration, with Hurley describing Cyrus as “so sweet” and noting their shared love for classic country artists like Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash.
Their engagement follows a notable period in both their lives. Cyrus finalized his divorce from second wife Tish in 2024 after a lengthy marriage that produced five children, including mainstream star Miley Cyrus. Their separation was reportedly amicable, characterized by a joint statement reflecting mutual respect despite previous marital challenges. Prior to dating Hurley, Cyrus was briefly married to singer Firerose, with that relationship ending amid public allegations and denials related to emotional abuse.
Hurley and Cyrus first reconnected via text in early 2025, leading to visits in Nashville, Tennessee, a city undergoing a cultural revival for music and film production. Friends describe the dynamic between them as complementary, with Hurley’s dominant personality paired with Cyrus’s more laid-back demeanor.
Discussions about their upcoming wedding suggest differing preferences. Cyrus reportedly favors a small, private ceremony, while Hurley envisions a larger, more elaborate event. The timeline for their nuptials remains uncertain.
Family members from both sides appear supportive of the relationship. Hurley appreciates the positive rapport between Cyrus and her son Damian, 24, and views their engagement as a blending of families with shared values and interests.
As the couple prepares for marriage, their relationship continues to draw attention for its blend of Hollywood glamour and country roots, underscored by a mutual desire to embrace a new chapter together.