In a joint statement, the parents of Miley Cyrus say that they've decided to go separate ways 'with love' in their hearts and it is now time to create their own 'paths.'

• Apr 12, 2022

AceShowbiz - Billy Ray Cyrus and Tish Cyrus have broken their silence on their divorce. The parents of Miley Cyrus have vowed that they "will always be family" after Tish filed for divorce to end their nearly three decades of marriage.

The pair, via a family representative, issued a joint statement to PEOPLE on Monday, April 11 following the divorce filing. "It is after 30 years, five amazing children and a lifetime of memories, we have decided to go our separate ways," read the statement. "Not with sadness, but with love in our hearts."

"We have grown up together, raised a family we can be so proud of, and it is now time to create our own paths," Billy and Tish continued. "We will always be family and look forward to a continued and loving shared experience as friends and parents."

They went on to stress that they "have not come to this decision lightly or quickly." They explained, "With so much going on in the world, we wanted to provide some clarity and closure, so we can remain focused on what is important." They then signed off the statement, "With Love and Hope… Tish and Billy Ray Cyrus."

On Wednesday, April 6, Tish filed the divorce papers in Williamson County, Tennessee. In the filing, she cited "irreconcilable differences" as the reason behind their separation. She then claimed that she and the "Achy Breaky Heart" singer have lived in separate residences and have not "cohabited as man and wife for a continuous period of more than two years."

Tish also requested "an equitable division and distribution of all marital assets" and asked that she be granted her separate property. Aside from that, the Tennessee native filed a restraining order for their marital property, which prevents both her and Billy Ray from transferring or concealing any of their assets as well as requiring them to avoid harassing one another or making disparaging remarks in the presence of their children.

Tish and Billy Ray tied the knot in 1993 and had three children, Miley, Noah Cyrus and Braison Cyrus. Billy Ray also adopted Tish's daughter Brandi and son Trace from her previous marriage.

In 2010, Billy Ray filed for divorce before revoking the petition less than six months later. "I've dropped the divorce. I want to put my family back together," said the 60-year-old singer. "Things are the best they've ever been."

Three years later, Tish put forth another divorce petition but she and Billy Ray later told fans they successfully repaired their relationship through marriage counseling. "We both woke up and realized we love each other and decided we want to stay together," the then-couple stated at the time. "We both went into couples therapy something we haven't done in 22 years of being together, and it's brought us closer together and really opened up our communication in amazing ways."