My First Country Obsession: Billy Ray Cyrus

My First Country Obsession: Billy Ray Cyrus If you know me at all, you know that I have a deep, undying love for all things country music. From Miranda Lambert’s sass to Kenny Chesney’s island vibes, my playlist is a solid mix of legends and modern icons. But let me take you back to the very beginning of my country obsession—the real first country artist that had me completely hooked: Billy Ray Cyrus. Picture this: a hot pink iPod Nano (yes, I was that girl) with "Achy Breaky Heart" on eternal repeat. It was an unspoken rule that I had to dance around the living room to it at least once a day, much to the delight of my family, I'm sure. Let’s be honest, there was no escaping it—Billy Ray was everywhere. He wasn’t just a country star; he was the mullet-wearing icon who got us all into the groove of the '90s with his southern charm. And we can't forget that moment. When Billy Ray took his talents to Dancing With The Stars in 2007—it was like we all got to relive the glory days of the mullet. He was cutting a rug and showing us that even with a long, feathered hairdo, you can still work the dance floor. At the time, I thought, "This man can do no wrong." But the cherry on top? His unforgettable anthem, "I Want My Mullet Back." Yes, I said it. That song. A true bop. If you didn't belt out “I want my mullet back!” at least once in your life, were you even a Billy Ray fan? I don’t think so. But as much as we can joke about Billy Ray's signature style and his "Achy Breaky" days, we can’t deny how unpredictable his journey has been since. These days, Billy Ray’s personal life has made its own headline, what with the Fire Rose relationship burning out and the dramatic divorce from Tish Cyrus. In true Billy Ray fashion, just when you think you have him figured out, he keeps us all guessing. It’s safe to say that my first country obsession will forever be etched in my music memory. Billy Ray Cyrus—what a wild, mulleted ride that was. The man’s unpredictability might just be his most country thing about him. And whether he’s reinventing himself in his relationships or through his music, one thing is for sure: Billy Ray’s never boring. Here's to the guy who made us all achy in the best way possible.