Australian singer Firerose has publicly reflected on her brief marriage to Billy Ray Cyrus, sharing a stark montage that frames the relationship as deeply damaging rather than nostalgic.
In a video posted to Instagram on December 4, Firerose — born Johanna Rose Hodge — juxtaposed early images of herself in her 20s with clips from her relationship with Cyrus, including moments of affection that gradually give way to scenes of isolation and distress. On-screen text warned viewers not to be persuaded by older partners who frame themselves as soulmates, suggesting a troubling power imbalance.
The video was set to a mashup of Billy Joel’s “Piano Man” and Fleetwood Mac’s “Silver Springs,” a song long associated with emotional fallout from a toxic relationship. In the caption, Firerose described what she characterized as narcissistic abuse, writing that such dynamics often follow a familiar pattern of control, manipulation, and emotional volatility. She added that while the experience can feel isolating, survivors are not alone.
Firerose, 37, married Cyrus, 64, in October 2023. The pair separated less than a year later, filing for divorce in mid-2024 and citing irreconcilable differences, with allegations of fraud also raised during the proceedings. The two first crossed paths years earlier while working on the set of Hannah Montana, when Firerose was in her early 20s and Cyrus was nearing 50.
In a subsequent interview with Australia’s Herald Sun, Firerose expanded on her claims, describing the relationship as psychologically and emotionally abusive. She said she did not experience physical violence but alleged she was repeatedly threatened, monitored, and made to feel trapped — conditions she likened to being held hostage.
She emphasized that abuse does not always leave visible marks and argued that abusers often present differently to different people. Firerose said sharing her story publicly was part of reclaiming her voice, a move that drew widespread support in the comments on her post.
Cyrus has not publicly responded to the latest allegations. He is currently in a relationship with actress and entrepreneur Elizabeth Hurley.
SOURCE: Syracuse.com
