Early life

Cyrus was born in Nashville, Tennessee as Destiny Hope Cyrus[8][9] on November 23, 1992,[10] to parents Leticia "Tish" (née Finley) and country singer Billy Ray Cyrus.[8] Cyrus has five siblings. Her elder siblings Trace and Brandi Cyrus are Tish's children from a previous relationship, whom Billy Ray adopted when they were very young.[11] Trace is a vocalist and guitarist for the electronic pop band Metro Station,[12] while Brandi has played guitar for Cyrus's concerts and formed a band with The Secret Life of the American Teenager star Megan Park.[13] Cyrus also has an older half-brother, Christopher Cody, from her father's previous relationship,[14] as well as a younger brother, Braison, and a younger sister, Noah, who is also an actress.[14] She is the granddaughter of Democratic politician Ron Cyrus. Cyrus chose the name "Ronnie" for her character in the 2010 film The Last Song in honor of her grandfather.[15]

Cyrus's parents named her Destiny Hope because they believed that she would accomplish great things.[8] She was nicknamed "Smiley", later shortened to "Miley", because she kept smiling as a baby.[8] She is of part Cherokee descent.[16] Cyrus attended Heritage Middle School, where she was a cheerleader.[citation needed] She currently attends school at Options For Youth Charter Schools[17] and studies with a private tutor on the set of her TV show.[18] Cyrus grew up on her parents' farm outside of Nashville where she regularly attended the People's Church.[19][20]