Nobody saw this one coming. Billy Ray Cyrus, the country crooner best known for his mullet and heartbreak ballads, and Elizabeth Hurley, the glamorous British actress and model, are now a couple—and they’re not keeping it low-key either.
The two just went Instagram-official with a kiss-filled snapshot that has fans doing double takes.
The photo, posted Wednesday, shows the pair sharing a passionate kiss, wearing the same outfits and in the same setting as the picture from their relationship debut a few days earlier.
And yes, even Elizabeth’s son, Damian, chimed in with an “Awwww” in the comments.
Fans Are Divided Over the Unexpected Romance
Social media was quick to react, and let’s just say people are confused but intrigued.
Many fans described the pairing as totally “unexpected.”
After all, you’ve got Hurley—the refined “English rose”—and Billy Ray, often dubbed “Walmart Jesus,” and somehow, they’ve found love in each other.
“This is an unexpected couple,” one fan wrote, while another added, “Life takes some unexpected turns. That’s the beauty of it.”
Love Blossomed in Tennessee and on the Set of a Holiday Movie
According to insiders, Hurley recently spent “a beautiful couple of weeks” with Billy Ray in Tennessee.
She reportedly loved the slower pace, the peaceful nature scenes, and the time they shared.
The couple is now navigating long distance but staying closely in touch, already planning to see each other again soon.
The sparks actually started flying back in 2022 when they met filming Christmas in Paradise in the Caribbean.
Though they only had a few scenes together, the connection left a lasting impression.
“We just laughed,” Billy Ray recalled. “And it was at a time I wasn’t laughing a lot.”
From a Random Text to a Life-Changing Connection
Billy Ray recently opened up on The Ty Bentli Show on Apple Music Country, reflecting on the moment Hurley first reached out.
At the time, he was at one of his lowest points—divorced, overwhelmed, and feeling flat-out defeated.
Out of the blue, Hurley messaged him with a simple but heartfelt note saying she was in his corner. Billy Ray didn’t even recognize the number at first.
“So, I text back, ‘Who is this?’ And it’s like, ‘Elizabeth Hurley,’” he shared, still amazed.
“She made me laugh, and I needed that more than anything.”
She’s the Dolly Parton of His Life
Cyrus didn’t hold back on his admiration for Hurley, calling her a brilliant and kind-hearted person who reminds him of Dolly Parton.
“If you can laugh together, you can make it through everything,” he said.
He even teased that more sweet couple photos are on the way. “People have been asking, ‘Why’s he always kissing her?’” he laughed.
“Well, when she puts her cheek out there, I just kiss it. I don’t know what happens!”
Hurley’s Friends Are Cautious, But She’s All In
Not everyone is immediately sold on the relationship, especially some of Hurley’s close friends.
A source told The Sun they’re a bit wary due to Billy Ray’s rocky romantic past, especially his headline-making split from singer Firerose.
But Liz reportedly believes he’s turned a corner.
She’s stood by him during tough times, helped him heal, and even encouraged him to repair his strained relationship with his children—especially Miley Cyrus.
Miley Reportedly Had No Idea… and May Not Be Thrilled
Speaking of Miley, it sounds like the Flowers hitmaker was kept totally in the dark about her dad’s new flame.
A source told New Idea that Miley had no clue they were even dating before the Easter reveal.
“She stays away from her dad as much as possible,” the insider said.
“She won’t be happy about this. She’s about to launch an album and a movie—and this will overshadow everything.”
Liz Is Helping Billy Ray Heal and Reconnect With Family
It’s clear Hurley has become more than a romantic partner to Cyrus—she’s been a real support system.
A source told Us Weekly that their bond stems from shared life experiences and the emotional hurdles they’ve both overcome.
Liz has even been urging him to reach out and rebuild bridges with his estranged children.
She’s famously close with her son Damian, 23, and her example seems to be inspiring Billy Ray to try to reconnect with his own.
From Divorce and Reclusion to Love and Light
Billy Ray had a rough go after his split from Firerose, a whirlwind romance that ended after only seven months of marriage.
He became withdrawn, shutting people out and trusting very few.
But now, with Elizabeth Hurley in his life, things seem to be turning around. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been this happy,” he admitted.
He even said he “loves Damian a lot” and is grateful to have both Hurley and her son in his world.
From Hannah Montana Fan to Real-Life Romance
Funny enough, Hurley once said she agreed to do Christmas in Paradise just to work with Billy Ray.
She used to watch Hannah Montana with her son and always admired Cyrus from afar.
Now, they’re living out a love story no one saw coming. Sure, it’s unconventional.
Sure, it raised some eyebrows. But for Billy Ray and Liz, it’s real, it’s meaningful, and right now—it’s making them both smile.