Billy Ray Cyrus Birthday: Country Star Turns 65 in 2026

Billy Ray Cyrus celebrates his birthday on August 25. In 2026, the country music icon turns 65 years old.

The “Achy Breaky Heart” singer’s birthday in 2026 coincides with an emotionally complex moment, falling on the same day as the passing of his longtime friend and collaborator, Dolly Parton, at the age of 80.

Billy Ray Cyrus Date of Birth and Early Life

Billy Ray Cyrus was born on August 25, 1961, in Flatwoods, Kentucky. He was born to Ruth Ann and Ron Cyrus, a former steelworker who later became a politician and served in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 1975 to 1996.

Cyrus grew up in a modest household and initially pursued an athletic path, earning a baseball scholarship to Georgetown College in Kentucky. He was even scouted by the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, a pivotal moment came when he attended a Neil Diamond concert, which inspired him to pursue music instead. He bought a guitar the very next day and set a personal goal to start his music career.

Billy Ray Cyrus Career Highlights

Breakthrough with “Achy Breaky Heart”

Cyrus’s debut album, Some Gave All, was released in 1992 and became an instant phenomenon. The album debuted at No. 1 on both the Billboard Top Country Albums and the Billboard 200 charts. The lead single, “Achy Breaky Heart,” became a global sensation. It topped the U.S. Hot Country Songs chart and reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, also becoming a No. 1 hit in Australia and a top-three hit in the United Kingdom.

The music video for “Achy Breaky Heart” is credited with sparking a mainstream line-dancing craze. The album Some Gave All has sold over 20 million copies worldwide and was certified 9× multi-platinum in the United States.

Career Revival with “Old Town Road”

Decades after his initial success, Cyrus experienced a remarkable career revival. In 2019, he was featured on Lil Nas X’s genre-blending hit “Old Town Road.” The collaboration became a record-breaking success, spending 19 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Cyrus won his first two Grammy Awards for his contribution to the track, taking home trophies for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Music Video.

Acting and Television Career

Beyond music, Cyrus built a successful acting career. He starred in the medical drama series Doc and played the role of Robby Ray Stewart, the father of his real-life daughter Miley Cyrus’s pop-star character, on the hit Disney Channel series Hannah Montana. He also appeared in David Lynch’s surreal film Mulholland Drive.

Family and Connections

Billy Ray Cyrus is the patriarch of a family of performers. He is the father of several children, including pop superstar Miley Cyrus, singer Noah Cyrus, and Metro Station frontman Trace Cyrus. Dolly Parton, with whom Cyrus toured and recorded, was named the godmother of his daughter Miley.

Billy Ray Cyrus Birthday FAQs

When is Billy Ray Cyrus’s birthday?

Billy Ray Cyrus’s birthday is August 25.

How old is Billy Ray Cyrus in 2026?

Billy Ray Cyrus turns 65 years old in 2026.

Where was Billy Ray Cyrus born?

He was born in Flatwoods, Kentucky.

What is Billy Ray Cyrus best known for?

He is best known for his 1992 hit “Achy Breaky Heart” and for starring in the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana with his daughter Miley Cyrus. He also won two Grammy Awards for his appearance on Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road.”

Did Billy Ray Cyrus know Dolly Parton?

Yes, Cyrus was a longtime friend and collaborator of Dolly Parton’s. He toured with her, recorded with her, and named her the godmother of his daughter Miley.

Is Billy Ray Cyrus still making music?

Yes, Cyrus has continued to release music. In 2026, at the age of 65, he is still an active performer and recording artist.

Conclusion

Billy Ray Cyrus, born on August 25, 1961, in Flatwoods, Kentucky, celebrates his 65th birthday in 2026. The country star’s journey has been one of remarkable longevity, from the line-dancing craze of “Achy Breaky Heart” to the Grammy-winning success of “Old Town Road,” solidifying his place as a multi-generational figure in American pop culture.