The “Hannah Montana” 20th Anniversary Special brought together several familiar faces from the beloved Disney Channel series. However, one key star from the show was notably absent from the premiere event in Los Angeles on March 23 – Billy Ray Cyrus.
Billy Ray Cyrus missed Miley Cyrus’ Hannah Montana special premiere because of work
Although Billy Ray Cyrus appeared in the anniversary special itself, he could not attend the premiere because he was working on music in Nashville. The country singer shared the reason on Instagram, revealing that he spent the night in the studio with his younger children, Braison and Noah Cyrus.
“Been in the studio all night in Nashville working on my new record with my youngins Braison and Noah preparing for our @todayshow performance Good Friday!” he wrote in the caption. “Dang feels like this is my ‘Sweet Niblets’ Sweet 16 on the road to the Final Four!”
“Sweet niblets” became one of the most memorable catchphrases from “Hannah Montana”, which aired for four seasons between 2006 and 2011. Billy Ray played Robby Ray Stewart, the on-screen father of Miley Cyrus’ character.
While Billy Ray worked in Nashville, Miley attended the Los Angeles premiere with several family members. The singer arrived alongside her mother Tish Cyrus, sister Brandi Cyrus, and fiancé Maxx Morando.
Despite his absence from the red carpet, Billy Ray still appeared in the anniversary special itself. In one segment, he reunited with Miley on a recreated version of the Stewart family home set and reflected on their experience working together on the show.
Miley shared how meaningful their on-screen partnership remains to fans. “I was really excited to have my dad join me because I know how much our relationship means to everyone that watched the show,” she said during the special.
Billy Ray also looked back on the audition process for the series, recalling that he initially hoped another actor would land the role. Miley jokingly responded, “Well, I’m glad you were the dad.”
Originally reported by Samridhi Goel on Momtastic.
