In a surprising turn of events, Billy Ray Cyrus has filed for divorce and annulment from Firerose just seven months after their October 2023 wedding.
The 62-year-old country star submitted the documents in Nashville on May 22, citing irreconcilable differences and inappropriate marital conduct as the reasons for the split. Additionally, Cyrus is seeking an annulment on the grounds of fraud.
The court documents reveal a stark contrast to the couple’s previously publicized love story. At the time of publication, both Cyrus and Firerose, whose real name is Johanna Rose Hodges, have unfollowed each other on Instagram, hinting at a possible rift.
Representatives for both parties did not immediately respond to requests for comment, leaving fans and followers speculating about the details behind the sudden breakup.
TMZ first reported the news, shedding light on the couple’s brief but highly publicized romance. Cyrus and Firerose, 37, were friends for many years before they began collaborating on music during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Their professional relationship blossomed into a romantic one in 2022, leading to their engagement later that year. The couple exchanged vows in a picturesque ceremony in October 2023, celebrating their union with a joint Instagram post that read, “10/10/23 will always be the beautiful, joyous day that our two souls united as one in holy matrimony. It was the most perfect, ethereal celebration of love we could have ever imagined.”
Their collaborative efforts resulted in four songs: “New Day,” “Time,” “Plans,” and “After the Storm.” Upon the release of “After the Storm” in March, Cyrus spoke to PEOPLE about the song’s hopeful message, calling it “powerful and timely.”
Firerose echoed these sentiments, saying, “Only by the grace of God did I survive my darkest nights. There is so much truth in these lyrics, and it’s my purpose to help others find strength in their toughest hours.”
Firerose added, “It has been a beautiful whirlwind, and I’m just so grateful that I get to live my dreams every day with the love of my life.”
In February, Cyrus celebrated Firerose’s birthday with a heartfelt Instagram post, referring to her as the “beautiful love of my life.” He shared a sweet video of the couple posing in front of a barn. Firerose reciprocated the affection in April, marking their six-month wedding anniversary with throwback photos from their nuptials and writing, “6 months ago I married this man. 🤍 Life isn’t always easy… but it sure helps when your husband’s also your best friend. Thank you Lord!”
This sudden shift in their relationship status has left fans in shock. Cyrus was previously married to Tish Cyrus for 28 years, with whom he shares five children: Miley, Noah, Brandi, Trace, and Braison. He also has a son, Christopher Cody, from a previous relationship with Kristen Luckey. The unexpected end to his marriage with Firerose adds another chapter to his complex personal life.
What do you think could have led to the sudden breakup between Billy Ray Cyrus and Firerose?