Why Billy Ray Cyrus' First Marriage Didn't Work Out

Billy Ray Cyrus was already a family man when he shot to stardom. Billy Ray met Cindy Smith in 1985 and the two married one year later, in 1986, per Who's Dated Who. After five years of wedded bliss, the pair opted to divorce in 1992, shortly before the release of Billy Ray's debut album.

Billy Ray Cyrus was already a family man when he shot to stardom. Billy Ray met Cindy Smith in 1985 and the two married one year later, in 1986, per Who's Dated Who. After five years of wedded bliss, the pair opted to divorce in 1992, shortly before the release of Billy Ray's debut album.

More than a marriage, the pair had a partnership and Smith helped with his rise to stardom and even inspired and co-wrote two of the hits on Billy Ray's debut album, 'Wher'm I Gonna Live?' and the title track of the album 'Some Gave All,' per ABTC. Unfortunately, the one thing that brought the pair together is the same thing that tore them apart.

Billy Ray's focus on his career contributed to the demise of his five-year marriage. Between Billy Ray being viewed as a sex symbol from the success (and dance moves) that stemmed from "Achy Breaky Heart," and the jealousy of his dedicated fan base, it became too much and took a toll on their relationship. Per Entertainment Weekly, despite their split, Billy Ray is adamant that the pair are "really better friends now than ever."

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