Billy Ray Cyrus’ ex Firerose reveals why she didn't think she would 'survive' their divorce

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Australian singer Firerose, whose real name is Johanna Rosie Hodges, is shedding light on the challenging months following her divorce from Billy Ray Cyrus.

Just two months after finalizing her divorce from the 'Hannah Montana' star, Firerose revealed to Us Weekly on October 17 that she had undergone a preventative double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery after discovering she carried the BRCA1 breast cancer gene.

Firerose opens up about her post-divorce struggles

Shedding light on the toll her divorce and recent health scare had on her, Firerose shared during the interview, “There’s been a few times I wasn’t sure that I would survive."

“It was a very humbling experience that put everything into perspective.”

In addition to her mastectomy, Firerose also faced another serious health scare—developing pulmonary embolisms in her lungs, which are blockages caused by blood clots.

She emphasized the gravity of the situation, saying, “It’s a very serious thing that can happen and easily can be fatal.”

Firerose’s comments about her health struggles come shortly after she reflected on her turbulent relationship with Billy Ray.

In an interview with The Australian Sunday Telegraph's Stellar magazine, as per the Daily Telegraph, she shared what she would tell her younger self about the country music icon.

“When I think about what I just went through,” Firerose said, “I would have told my 22-year-old self to run in the opposite direction and never look back.”

Billy Ray Cyrus claims he was 'target of a scam' after divorce from Firerose

Firerose, 36, and Billy Ray Cyrus, 63, first met in 2010 while working on Disney Channel's 'Hannah Montana', but they fell out of touch after the show ended.

However, they reconnected in 2020 and tied the knot in October 2023.

Despite their rekindled connection, the marriage quickly unraveled, and Billy Ray filed for divorce in May after just seven months.

In the filing, the Grammy-winning singer accused Firerose of isolating him from his family—including his famous daughters Miley Cyrus, 31, and Noah Cyrus, 24—and lying about her identity.

These claims added to the turmoil surrounding their brief marriage.

Following the divorce settlement in August, a source told E! News that Firerose chose to settle because it was “important to her that this continuous smear campaign end, and the emotional turmoil stop so she can close the door on this chapter.”

Billy Ray, who is also father to Trace, 35, Brandi, 37, and Braison, 30, from his previous marriage to Tish Cyrus, expressed relief after the settlement was reached.

He told E! News, “This has been absolutely the most crazy insane scam I have ever heard of. Let alone the fact I'm right in the center and basically the target of the scheme. It's unfortunate it played out this way.”