Billy Ray Cyrus’ ex-wife, Firerose, is opening up about her regrets and reflections on her whirlwind romance with the Achy Breaky Heart singer. In an interview with the Australian Sunday Telegraph’s Stellar magazine, published on Saturday, October 12, the Sydney-born musician, whose real name is Johanna Rosie Hodges, delves into her brief marriage and subsequent divorce with Cyrus. Looking back on her experience, Firerose wishes she could go back in time and warn her 22-year-old self to “run in the opposite direction and never look back.”
The love story between Firerose and Cyrus began over a decade before their wedding in October 2023. They first crossed paths when she was leaving an audition in Hollywood on the same lot where Hannah Montana, starring him and Miley Cyrus, was being filmed. At that time, Firerose, a struggling artist, had limited knowledge of the famous singer due to financial constraints that prevented her from owning a TV.
Following a chance encounter, Cyrus extended a helping hand to Firerose, introducing her to a few people and spending the day with her. Reflecting on that moment, Firerose admitted to questioning Cyrus’s intentions and realizing she should have set better boundaries. It’s worth noting that Billy Ray was still married to his second wife, Tisha Cyrus, at the time, with their divorce proceedings beginning in April 2022.
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Billy Ray and Firerose rekindled their connection, bonding over their mutual passion for music and collaborating on various projects before exchanging vows in the fall. However, the initial spark in their relationship quickly faded, leading to Billy Ray filing for divorce just seven months into their marriage. The reasons cited for the split included irreconcilable differences, inappropriate marital conduct, and allegations of fraud.
In response to the divorce filing, Firerose countered with claims of emotional and psychological abuse, painting a picture of a controlling and isolating environment within their marriage. She detailed restrictions imposed by Billy Ray, such as limited outings, strict rules for personal grooming, and a lack of independence that left her feeling trapped.
As Firerose navigated the aftermath of their divorce, she shared her struggle to reclaim her sense of self after being subjected to manipulation and blame from her ex-husband. Despite the challenges she faced, Firerose emerged from the ordeal with a sense of resilience and determination to move forward.
The finalization of their divorce on August 5 marked a turning point for Firerose, who received no monetary settlement but retained rights to the songs they had co-written and published together. Through it all, Firerose’s story serves as a reminder of the complexities of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit.
