Dolly Parton worried pal Billy Ray Cyrus is 'bound to be hurt' by 'ruthless' Elizabeth Hurley: Insider
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Country legend Dolly Parton has reportedly grown concerned about her longtime friend Billy Ray Cyrus’ fast-growing relationship with actress Elizabeth Hurley.
Insiders say Parton is worried the country star could be setting himself up for heartache, especially given Hurley’s high-profile dating history and reputation.
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Dolly Parton fears heartbreak for ‘vulnerable’ Billy Ray Cyrus amid whirlwind romance
According to Radar Online, the unlikely romance between Billy Ray Cyrus, 63, and Elizabeth Hurley, 59, is progressing quickly, prompting Dolly Parton to speak up.
A source told the outlet, “Dolly's worried that Billy Ray is out of his weight class with Liz. For all his faults, she's still close to him and knows he's vulnerable and bound to hurt in this flirty charmer, who's the very definition of high maintenance.”
Cyrus and Elizabeth Hurley sparked rumors by posting an Easter photo showing him kissing her cheek. They later shared another picture enjoying a sunset ride in an off-road vehicle.
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Some insiders think marriage might be on the horizon, with a US Sun source revealing last month, “Everyone is saying Billy and Liz are worlds apart, but actually they are very similar."
The source added, They have a lot in common and have the same interests. Billy is also very much her type — he has a real twinkle in his eye and a naughty streak that she can’t resist.”
Dolly Parton sees Billy Ray Cyrus as 'putty' in Elizabeth Hurley’s hands
Dolly Parton, who toured with Billy Ray Cyrus in the early 1990s and is godmother to his daughter Miley Cyrus, has reportedly decided to intervene due to her strong concern.
"Dolly thinks Billy Ray's got stars in his eyes by acting like Liz is his Juliet," an insider told Radar Online. "She isn't one to meddle in someone else's business, but she's making an exception in this case."
Cyrus has been married three times, most recently to singer Firerose, and before that, to Tish Cyrus for 28 years and Cindy Smith for five years.
On the other hand, Hurley was famously with Hugh Grant for 13 years and married to businessman Arun Nayar from 2007 to 2011. She also shares a son, Damian, with the late Steve Bing.
The insider added, “Dolly dreads Billy Ray will handle it if Liz tires him up and spits him out as everyone expects. Liz tends to get infatuated and bored pretty quickly. She can be ruthless, and Dolly's worried that Billy Ray is like putty in her hands.”
Billy Ray Cyrus says he felt instant chemistry with Elizabeth Hurley on set
The pair first met while filming the 2022 holiday movie 'Christmas in Paradise', but didn’t start dating until after Billy Ray Cyrus’ split from his now-ex-wife Firerose in 2023.
Reflecting on their early connection, Billy Ray Cyrus told 'The Ty Bentli Show' on Apple Music Country, “We did very few scenes together, but the couple times we were in the same scene there was a chemistry.”
He continued, “I know all about her life and career,” adding how he felt intimidated that “me, a kid from Flatwoods, Ky, going to sit and pretend I'm an actor with Elizabeth Hurley.”
Recalling their shared laughter and connection, Cyrus added, “The oddest part was first how much we laughed. Second, I figured we were so different, but in some very strange way, we had way more in common than we had different.”
"It's just been beautiful," he said when asked about their bond. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been this happy.”
Cyrus praised Hurley further, saying, “She’s so impressively brilliant. She reminds me a lot of Dolly Parton. She’s a very smart businesswoman. If you can laugh together, you can make it through everything," Entertainment Weekly reported.
