Billy Ray Cyrus & Firerose: Seven Months of Marriage, Fraud Allegations, and a $96,000 Credit Card Battle
He was 62, she was 34. They married in October, divorced by May. He alleged fraud and $96,000 in unauthorized credit card charges.
Key Facts
What Happened
Billy Ray Cyrus, the 62-year-old country music icon best known for 'Achy Breaky Heart' and as the father of Miley Cyrus, married Australian singer Firerose on October 10, 2023. The wedding was described as 'perfect and ethereal.' The 28-year age gap raised eyebrows, but Cyrus was effusive in his public declarations of love, comparing them to 'peanut butter and jelly.' None of his children, including Miley, were reported to have attended the ceremony.
Seven months later, on May 22, 2024, Cyrus filed for divorce in Williamson County, Tennessee, citing irreconcilable differences, inappropriate marital conduct, and fraud. The fraud allegation was extraordinary: Cyrus sought an annulment on the grounds that the marriage itself was fraudulently obtained. He also filed an emergency motion for a temporary restraining order, alleging that Firerose had made $96,986 in unauthorized charges across 37 transactions on his business credit card, with the charges beginning the very day he filed for divorce.
The credit card battle became the centerpiece of the proceedings. Cyrus's attorneys argued there was 'no legitimate reason' for Firerose to have access to his business accounts. Firerose's attorneys countered that she had used the cards with his full permission throughout the marriage. On July 10, 2024, a Williamson County judge granted Cyrus's motion, ordering Firerose to immediately stop using his credit cards. Among the charges were reportedly $70,665 in payments to her own divorce attorneys.
The couple reached a confidential settlement on August 2, 2024, and were declared legally separated three days later. The entire marriage, from wedding to divorce settlement, lasted less than ten months. The case became a cautionary tale about rushed marriages, significant age gaps, and the importance of maintaining financial boundaries, even with a spouse.
Legal Breakdown: Spousal Support
Fraud as Grounds for Annulment
Cyrus did not just file for divorce; he sought an annulment on fraud grounds. An annulment legally declares that the marriage was never valid. In Tennessee, fraud must relate to an essential aspect of the marriage, such as concealing a prior marriage, lying about the ability to have children, or misrepresenting identity. If granted, an annulment can eliminate spousal support obligations entirely.
Emergency Restraining Orders for Financial Abuse
Cyrus obtained an emergency court order to freeze Firerose's access to his credit cards. Courts can issue emergency financial restraining orders when there is evidence of asset dissipation or unauthorized spending. This tool is available to anyone who suspects their spouse is draining marital or personal accounts during divorce proceedings.
Short Marriages and Support Obligations
In Tennessee, the duration of the marriage significantly affects spousal support calculations. A seven-month marriage would typically result in minimal or no alimony. Combined with the fraud allegations, Cyrus was positioned to argue that Firerose was entitled to nothing beyond what the settlement provided.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →Separate your finances immediately upon deciding to divorce. Shared credit cards and joint accounts become weapons in contested proceedings.
- →If you suspect unauthorized charges, document everything and seek an emergency restraining order through your attorney. Courts can freeze access quickly.
- →Annulment is different from divorce. If your marriage was obtained through fraud, misrepresentation, or duress, you may be eligible for annulment, which has different financial consequences.
- →Short marriages with large age gaps are statistically more likely to end in divorce. If entering such a marriage, a prenup is not optional; it is essential.
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This article is based on publicly available court records, news reports, and legal analysis. It is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.
Divorce laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney in your area before making legal decisions.