Billy Ray Cyrus’ Love Declaration for Elizabeth Hurley Ignites Online Debate
Billy Ray Cyrus is smitten, and he wants the world to know it. The 63-year-old country music star recently took to Instagram to celebrate Elizabeth Hurley’s 60th birthday with a heartfelt post, calling the British actress and model “the love of my life.” Accompanying the declaration was a warm photo of the couple, with Hurley perched on Cyrus’ lap, both gazing into the distance with contented smiles. But while Cyrus may be all in on this romance, the internet has its doubts, and the backlash has been swift and sharp.
The post, shared on Tuesday, quickly became a lightning rod for criticism, according to the Daily Star. While some fans flooded the comments with birthday wishes for Hurley, others were far less enchanted by Cyrus’ grand gesture. “You just started dating, and she’s the love of your life? That’s a stretch,” one commenter quipped. Another added, “How many ‘loves of your life’ have you had in the last decade?” The skepticism didn’t stop there. “You switch loves of your life like you change your socks,” one user jabbed, while another remarked, “I bet your kids are thrilled to hear this.”
The online roasting reflects a broader sentiment: many question whether Cyrus’ bold claim holds water, given his history of high-profile relationships. Yet, not everyone was ready to throw shade. A smaller group of fans defended the couple, leaving supportive messages and wishing them well. “Happy for you both!” one wrote, while another gushed, “You two look so cute together!” Despite the divide, the cynics outnumbered the cheerleaders, with most comments dripping with doubt about the sincerity of Cyrus’ words.
Cyrus and Hurley’s romance is still fresh, having only recently gone public. The pair first crossed paths in 2022 while filming Christmas in Paradise on the Caribbean island of Nevis. Though their on-screen time together was minimal, Cyrus described an instant connection during an interview on The Ty Bentli Show. “We just laughed,” he recalled, noting that their chemistry arrived at a time when he wasn’t finding much to smile about. “It was the oddest thing.”
Despite their contrasting worlds—Cyrus, a self-described “kid from Flatwoods,” and Hurley, a global icon of fashion and film—their bond felt effortless. “I thought we were so different, but in some strange way, we had more in common than I expected,” Cyrus shared. After losing touch post-filming, the two reconnected, and now, by Cyrus’ account, they’re deeply in love.
This isn’t Cyrus’ first time wearing his heart on his sleeve. His romantic history includes a marriage to Cindy Smith from 1986 to 1991, followed by a 29-year marriage to Tish Cyrus, with whom he shares five children, including Miley and Noah Cyrus. That union ended in 2022. In 2023, Cyrus wed Australian singer Firerose, but their marriage crumbled in less than a year. Hurley, too, has a storied romantic past. Her decade-long relationship with Hugh Grant, which ended in 2000, remains one of Hollywood’s most iconic pairings, though the two have stayed close friends. She shares a son, Damian, with the late Steve Bing and was briefly married to Indian businessman Arun Nayar from 2007 to 2011. Hurley was also engaged to Australian cricketer Shane Warne until 2013, and rumors once linked her to Prince Harry, though those claims were likely unfounded.
Given their histories, it’s no surprise that Cyrus’ “love of my life” label raised eyebrows. The phrase carries weight, and for many, it feels premature—or even reckless—considering the couple’s short time together. Online critics seem to agree that Cyrus might want to pump the brakes on such lofty declarations, especially after his recent string of relationships.
For now, Cyrus and Hurley appear unfazed by the noise. They’ve stayed silent on the criticism, choosing instead to share their happiness through smiles and social media. Whether their romance will stand the test of time remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the internet is watching closely, and it’s not afraid to call out what it sees as hyperbole. If Cyrus wants to keep the skeptics at bay, he might consider retiring the “love of my life” line—or at least saving it for a milestone further down the road.
As the couple navigates their budding relationship under the public’s microscope, fans and detractors alike will be waiting to see if this love story has staying power or if it’s just another chapter in Cyrus’ colorful romantic saga.