Tish Cyrus opens up about her healing journey post-divorce from Billy Ray Cyrus, reflecting on love, loss, and resilience in an emotional podcast interview.
- January 15, 2026
AceShowbiz - Tish Cyrus has shared her journey of healing following her divorce from Billy Ray Cyrus, which was finalized nearly four years ago. The couple, who have five children together, including Miley Cyrus, filed for divorce in 2022, marking the end of a long chapter in their lives.
During an appearance on The Squeeze podcast on January 14, Tish opened up about the emotional struggles she faced after the split. She recounted how she had been in a relationship with Billy Ray since she was 23 or 24, stating, “Anything that’s happened I’m kind of like, ‘Well that’s life, just keep it moving.’” However, the reality of her situation was far more complicated.
Just two years prior to her divorce, Tish suffered the loss of her mother, Loretta Jean Palmer Finley, with whom she was very close. This significant loss, combined with the dissolution of her marriage, created a tumultuous period in her life.
“Two of the most tragic things in my life that happened—I did not process or even stop to really think about,” Tish admitted. To cope with her anxiety, she turned to cannabis, which she described as a form of self-medication. “I’ve been very open that I was a major weed smoker. For that, because I’ve always had a little bit of anxiety, that was almost like medicine for me,” she explained.
In 2024, after deciding to cut cannabis out of her life, Tish experienced a wave of emotions that she had previously suppressed. “I do think it kind of numbed all that pain and then I stopped smoking and all of a sudden a week later, I’m just in full-on anxiety to the point of not functioning,” she recalled. This period marked one of the most challenging times in her life.
More than a year later, Tish shared that she is only now beginning to learn how to manage her anxiety effectively. “I’m so much better,” she emphasized. “Like, I was not functioning for that year, I was just trying to survive. Now, I’m completely on the other side of that.”
As Tish reflects on her journey, she explains, “I’m learning to control it.” Despite the struggles, she has found a new sense of strength and resilience.
In a broader context, Tish's experience resonates with many who have faced similar mental health challenges. Celebrities like Gucci Mane have also opened up about their battles with mental health, sharing their journeys toward recovery. In his book, he discusses being diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, emphasizing the importance of accountability and seeking help.
As mental health awareness continues to grow, stories like Tish’s serve as a reminder of the strength it takes to confront and overcome personal struggles. By sharing her journey, she hopes to inspire others facing similar challenges to seek help and find their path to healing.