Miley Cyrus recently opened up about her complex relationship with her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, amidst rumors of a familial rift. The star, famous for her role in “Hannah Montana” — a show she starred in alongside her father — discussed the evolving dynamics between them during an interview with David Letterman on Netflix’s *My Next Guest Needs No Introduction*.

While their relationship was notably close during her early days on television, it appears the dynamics have shifted. Addressing the speculations, Miley shared insightful reflections on the lessons learned from her father, both positive and negative.

“He has a relationship and a foot on the ground to the real and to nature and he always did, even when he was super famous,” Miley explained. “I’m grateful for being able to watch him ahead of me. He’s almost given me this map. And there’s a map of what to do and what not to do, and he’s guided me on both.”

The conversation also touched on a more personal trait she believes to have inherited from her father. “I also inherited the narcissism from my father,” she candidly admitted.

Miley didn’t hold back on discussing the integral role her parents played in her development as an artist and individual. “Without my dad, I know — I mean, not just literally I wouldn’t be sitting in this chair, I wouldn’t exist — but I would not, who I am as a person, it wouldn’t exist,” she said. “Because my dad, as a creative and as an artist in the way that his brain works, has always made me feel safer in my own mind because we’re very similar in our ideas.”

She credits much of her perspective on life to her father, yet highlights the significant impact her mother, Tish Cyrus, had on her upbringing. “Honestly, my mom is my hero,” Miley stated, expressing deep admiration for her mother.

This heartfelt discussion comes shortly after Billy Ray shared his thoughts on their supposed estrangement. Posting a nostalgic photo on Instagram from a past CMA Fest (previously known as Fan Fair), he reminisced about one of his favorite memories with Miley.

“One of my best memories ever: @cma Fest, back when it was Fan Fair,” he captioned. “That’s @mileycyrus and me, surrounded by thousands of incredible fans at the fairgrounds. The next day, someone handed me this picture, and I wrote that poem right then on the bus.”

Billy Ray also expressed his pride in Miley’s resilience and artistry. “She’s a survivor and a true artist. She learned early on to love and appreciate the fans who make everything possible,” he wrote. “We both cherish the connection we have with our fans and are grateful for every single one of you!”

These revelations from both Miley and Billy Ray offer a deeper look into the complexities of their relationship and the enduring bond they share, both personally and with their fans.