Miley's parents split: Billy Ray Cyrus files for divorce

Sorry, Miley Cyrus -- even famous kids' parents split up.

The actress-singer's dad, Billy Ray Cyrus, on Tuesday filed for divorce from his wife of 17 years, Tish. "As you can imagine, this is a very difficult time for our family," they said Wednesday in a statement to People, adding that they're working through "personal matters" and appreciate fans' thoughts and prayers.

Irreconcilable differences were cited in the action filed in Tennessee, according to court documents obtained by TMZ. The "Achy Breaky Heart" singer and "Hannah Montana" costar is seeking shared custody of his three minor children with Tish: Miley Ray, 17; Braison, 16; and Noah, 10. Billy Ray adopted Trace and Brandi, Tish's kids from a previous marriage, but those two are now of legal age.

A source told E! News that the breakup was "a long time coming," with no third-party acting as a catalyst.

This will be Billy Ray's second divorce; he split with first wife, Cindy Smith, in 1991 and married Leticia Finley in 1992.

-- Christie D'Zurilla

Photo: Billy Ray and Leticia "Tish" Cyrus at the Hollywood premiere of their daughter Miley's film "The Last Song" on March 25. Credit: Mario Anzuoni / Reuters

 

 

Comments

[Miley Cyrus News and Pics]

Good luck to Miley and her family as they go through this hard time. It must be especially hard to go through it under the microscope that the media has put them under.

[amber]

i think thhat this is sad im really srrry to miley and her family just hang in there and i kno what ur going through ive been throughh it so im here for you :):)

[Olivia M. Troyer]

wow. miley is gonna be another linsay lohan. i can just see it coming! lets hope she goes on the good path.. Lord willing..

[Michele Catherine Crail]

I think they need to work it out and not get a divorced from each other.It will help all the kids out in the family they have together.