Things to Do
Things to Do

Billy Ray Cyrus changes name, releases new version of ‘Achy Breaky Heart’

Billy Ray Cyrus Changes Name, Releases New "Achy Breaky Heart"
By Kelcie Willis, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
April 30, 2017

Country singer and songwriter Billy Ray Cyrus is celebrating the 25th anniversary of his hit “Achy Breaky Heart” with three new versions of the song.

>> Read more trending news

Rolling Stone reported that Cyrus has recorded “Achy Breaky Heart 25th,” a version closer to the original demo. It was released Friday.

The song will also reportedly get a Spanglish version and one with an EDM sound.

Cyrus is also undergoing both a professional and personal change: He is going by his last name only.

“After Aug. 25th, I will be the artist formerly known as Billy Ray. I'm just going by my last name Cyrus," Cyrus told Rolling Stone. “I always went by Cyrus, and I begged Mercury Records to call me Cyrus in the beginning because that's what I was comfortable with. I'm going to the hospital where I was born in Bellefonte, Kentucky, and legally changing my name.”

A preview of the 25th anniversary version of “Achy Breaky” can be listened to below:

Singer-songwriter Billy Ray Cyrus now goes by "Cyrus." Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

Credit: Michael Loccisano

icon to expand image

Credit: Michael Loccisano

About the Author

Kelcie Willis, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
More Stories

Keep Reading

Fireworks will be set off at dusk at Alpharetta’s Independence Day event at Wills Park. The photo shows a view of a previous year’s fireworks from the nearby Walk of Memories at American Legion Post 201. (Courtesy of Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau/Jack Tuszynski)

Credit: Jack Tuszynski/PhotoJack.net

July Fourth fireworks shows to boom, sizzle, pop across metro Atlanta skies

Your guide to Independence Day fireworks displays across metro Atlanta. Parades, concerts, kids activities and more will lead up to the pyrotechnics.

15 family-friendly things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend

From Fernbank’s new after-hours series to Sneaker Con and a Western-themed party, here are 15 family-friendly things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend.

Make the most of Atlanta, one of the best staycation cities

If you haven't planned a summer getaway yet, try rediscovering what makes where you live so special - it's called a staycation.

The Latest

Ingredients in the half-sour pickles sold at Buford Highway Farmers Market include water, sugar, salt, dill and garlic. (Courtesy)

Credit: BHFM

Where can I find it: quarts of half-sour pickles, tie donation

15 family-friendly things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend

July Fourth fireworks shows to boom, sizzle, pop across metro Atlanta skies

Featured

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. (center) is flanked by GOP whip Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. (left) and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as Thune speak to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Earlier Tuesday, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump's signature bill of big tax breaks and spending cuts. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Credit: AP

Senate GOP passes budget bill Democrats describe as ‘a catastrophe’

Republicans in the U.S. Senate have passed the “big, beautiful bill” championed by President Donald Trump, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tiebreaking vote.

State Farm Arena top 5 globally in box office — behind only Sphere, MSG in U.S.

State Farm Arena brought in about $76.2 million across 60 events.

At a store that never closes, an armed comedian keeps the midnight watch

At JJ Food Mart on the west side of Atlanta, an armed comedian keeps the midnight watch. If you misbehave, Connell Daniels Jr. might put you on Instagram.