Dolly Parton Hasn't Spoken To Billy Ray Cyrus Since Engagement News Broke

Dolly Parton is speaking her mind about Billy Ray Cyrus' recent engagement to the Australian songwriter Firerose, months after his divorce from his second wife.

The country singer and his ex-wife Tish Cyrus separated in 2020, and in April 2022, Tish filed for a divorce, which would not be the first time such has happened.

Nevertheless, Billy Ray now has a new woman in his life whom the legendary Parton seems to approve of even though the duo was not on talking terms since the engagement.

The "Jolene" vocalist had good things to say about Firerose while speaking on her relationship with Billy Ray, who announced the engagement in October 2022.

She got the opportunity to meet the fellow songstress before the question was popped, and she told US Weekly all about it while promoting her newest Duncan Hines partnership. Parton said about the "Achy Breaky Heart" soloist, "Well, we talk. He did my Christmas special, the "Mountain Magic Christmas." We got a chance to talk a lot, and I got to meet his girlfriend."

Recalling her meeting with the 34-year-old singer, she called her "a sweet girl" and explained that she has not spoken with Billy Ray since the engagement announcement. However, they continue to remain close.

"I love Billy Ray like I love Miley [Cyris]," the "9 to 5" star confessed, "They're family. He's like a brother to me, and she's like a daughter."

It should be noted that the pop star Miley Cyrus is Parton's goddaughter and Billy Ray's daughter. They all joined forces for the veteran music star's holiday special that aired on NBC in December. The ten-time Grammy winner co-hosted "Miley Cyrus' New Year's Eve Party" with her goddaughter to welcome in 2023 from Miami.

On the other hand, Billy Ray began the new year snuggled in with his fiancée, as seen in a January 4 Instagram post captioned, "Hope your 2023 is off to an amazing start!"

The blossoming relationship came on the heels of his divorce from his estranged wife, but they seem to have moved on with their lives as Tish confirmed her relationship with Dominic Purcell last November. The former couple has three children, Miley, son Braison, and daughter Noah, with Billy Ray adopting Brandi and Trace from Tish's previous relationship.

About a month after announcing his engagement to Firerose, the father-of-six opened up about the new relationship for the first time. The Blast reported that he did not share explicit details about their future wedding but confirmed there would be one.

Billy Ray disclosed that he and the younger vocalist had known each other for over a decade after meeting on the "Hannah Montana" set in L.A. While going on about the Disney show, he credited his German Shepherd, Tex, for allowing him to meet his now-partner.

At the time of their encounter, he had no idea she was over twenty years his junior. Nevertheless, they made it work, beginning with a great friendship. According to the 61-year-old, the pandemic truly changed their relationship as they became songwriting partners and developed into something more.

The period was dark for him given that he was not living the life of a "touring artist," but thankfully, his best friend Firerose, who was also "such a light of positivity," was always there for him. 

Following Billy Ray's split from Tish, their daughter Miley was allegedly not so taken with the idea, and she took her mother's side, causing bad blood with her father.

Per reports, the "Some Gave All" star got into a then-new relationship with Firerose five months after the split and ignored his child's disapproval.

Shortly after, the loving pair sparked engagement rumors when the Australian-born was seen with a diamond ring on her Instagram. Although it was unclear how long the couple had been an item, they dropped a song together titled "New Day" in 2021 and had a joint performance.

The development would have no doubt deepened the rift between the once-close Billy Ray and Miley, who unfollowed each other after the divorce and several conflicts. When asked about the engagement, the "Hannah Montana" lead star's team refused to make any comments.