Billy Ray Cyrus supports Miley's name change: 'natural progression for an icon'

Miley Cyrus is going by just Miley from now on. The pop artist announced this week that she is dropping her last name, a decision that comes alongside the reveal of her tenth studio album 'Bass Persuades', out September 18 on Atlantic Records. The album trailer already listed her name as simply 'Miley', and her last name has since disappeared from her social media profiles as well.

Her father Billy Ray Cyrus responded on Instagram, saying he fully supports the move. "Family means more than ever now. I always called my little girl Miley. Just … Miley. Just like I always called my little boy Braison," he wrote. The country singer also pointed to his own past: before his hit 'Achy Breaky Heart' came out in 1992, he himself was known simply as CYRUS. He drew comparisons to mononym icons like Cher, the recently passed country legend Dolly Parton who was also Miley's godmother, Elvis Presley and Prince. According to Billy Ray, the name change is a natural step: "It's a natural progression for an iconic superstar legend. And the legend continues! Looking forward to the new album."

Miley herself has not shared any specific reason behind the rebrand. She did post a personal message on Instagram about what the new album means to her. "Music takes hold of us. We feel it, sing it, sometimes dance to it, let it out and carry on. It is powerful, vulnerable, sweet and strong. Heart full, heartache, every part of life in between. That's what the title means to me. Thank you for being a part of making my wildest dreams come true. I sincerely hope you love this album," she wrote, signing off with only her first name.

To celebrate the album, Miley will perform two shows at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, on October 16 and 18. The duo Model/Actriz will open both nights. The shows are notable because Miley said just last year that she has no desire to tour, noting that life on the road takes a toll on her mental health: "I do have the physical ability and I have the opportunities to tour… I wish I had the desire, but I don't." General ticket sales open on September 10 at 10 AM local time.

The announcement of 'Bass Persuades' also comes during an emotional time for Miley, as her godmother Dolly Parton passed away on August 25 at the age of 80, and Miley paid a personal tribute to her. For Dutch fans, the new album and Miley's reintroduction under her first name alone is certainly something to look forward to, even though no European tour dates have been announced so far.