Another source says her dramatic identity change is the result of her isolation from those closest to her – including her mom, Tish Cyrus, 59, and siblings Brandi, 39, Trace Cyrus, 37, and Noah Cyrus, 26. Insiders say she’s even keeping her rocker fiancé, Maxx Morando, at an arm’s distance after Parton’s death.
And while Billy Ray wants to support Miley after their great loss, sources say the Wrecking Ball singer’s new identity announcement came as a blow to his ego.
“Billy Ray will always support Miley publicly, and he moved quickly to try and control the narrative [with the name change] by praising her from the rooftops and declaring how proud he is of her,” said the source.
“But he’s privately feeling the burn big-time. It’s his name, and Miley’s essentially ripped it up and tossed it in the trash.”