Tish Cyrus Says She ‘Was Not Functioning’ After Divorce and Mother’s Death: ‘I Was Just Trying to Survive’
Tish Cyrus Opens Up About Her Struggles After Life’s Biggest Losses
Tish Cyrus, mother of pop star Miley Cyrus, recently shared candid insights into the emotional turmoil she endured following two of the most difficult events in her life: the death of her beloved mother and her divorce from Billy Ray Cyrus after 23 years of marriage. In a heartfelt conversation on the podcast *The Squeeze* with Tay Lautner, Tish revealed how these back-to-back tragedies led her to a state where she felt she was “not functioning” and was simply “trying to survive.”
Her story sheds light on the profound impact grief and major life changes can have on mental health, especially when they occur in close succession. Tish’s openness about her anxiety and healing journey offers hope and encouragement to others facing similar struggles.
The Impact of Losing Her Mother “Mammie” During the Pandemic
In 2020, Tish’s mother, Loretta Finley—affectionately known as “Mammie” by the family—passed away at the age of 85. The loss was particularly painful as it happened during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when many were isolated from loved ones and unable to grieve traditionally.
Tish described her mother as a central figure in her family’s life. Mammie had been especially close to Miley and even spent time on the set of *Hannah Montana*, supporting her granddaughter’s early career. After the show ended, Mammie lived near Tish’s family, continuing to be a vital presence.
The death of Mammie left a significant void. Tish explained that the grief was overwhelming and that she struggled to process it fully, especially given the restrictions and emotional weight of the pandemic period.
Divorce and Anxiety: Facing Another Life-Altering Challenge
Just two years after losing her mother, Tish filed for divorce from Billy Ray Cyrus in April 2022. The end of their 28-year marriage compounded her emotional distress. She admitted to feeling “literally terrified” about the prospect of being alone and experienced a crippling anxiety breakdown.
During this difficult time, Tish described a period of about 30 days where she couldn’t eat or sleep and felt like she was “coming out of [her] skin.” She called it “the roughest thing I’ve ever gone through,” highlighting the severity of her mental health struggles.
Tish also revealed that she had been self-medicating with marijuana, which she viewed as a form of plant medicine that helped numb her pain. However, when she decided to stop, her anxiety intensified to the point where she was “not functioning” at all.
How Therapy and Support Helped Tish Cyrus Heal
Recognizing the need for professional help, Tish turned to therapy. She credits this step with helping her begin to unpack her life experiences and confront her anxiety head-on. Through therapy, she learned about the lasting effects of trauma on the body and mind, a concept she explored further after reading *The Body Keeps the Score*—a book recommended by Miley.
Tish also found stability and comfort in her relationship with her new husband, Dominic Purcell, whom she married in 2023. She described this relationship as “so safe” and free from drama, providing her with a space to feel and process her emotions.
Despite the progress she has made, Tish acknowledges that anxiety still affects her at times. She shared that some mornings she wakes up feeling anxious “about nothing really,” but she is learning to manage these feelings better.
Using Her Experience to Advocate for Mental Health Awareness
Tish’s journey through grief, divorce, and anxiety has inspired her to become more involved in mental health advocacy. She emphasizes the importance of community and hearing others’ stories to combat the isolation that often accompanies anxiety and depression.
“The worst part of it is you feel so alone,” she said. Hearing others talk about their struggles helped her realize that recovery is possible. Tish hopes that by sharing her story, she can encourage others to seek help and remind them that they are not alone.
Conclusion
Tish Cyrus’s honest account of her struggles following her mother’s death and divorce highlights the profound impact such events can have on mental health. Her story is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, seeking support and therapy can pave the way toward healing and resilience. If you or someone you know is facing anxiety or grief, remember that help is available and recovery is possible. Don’t hesitate to reach out to mental health professionals or support groups—your journey to wellness can start today.
