Singer says she had to “learn the hard way” after mom Tish prioritised looks over respect in partners

Miley Cyrus has opened up about the eyebrow-raising relationship advice she received from her mother, Tish Cyrus, saying her mom once encouraged her to stay with “the wrong guy” simply because of his looks.

The revelation came during a family interview with The Cut, where Tish posed alongside her daughters Noah, Miley and Brandi for a cover feature. When the conversation turned to life lessons and what each had to learn “the hard way,” Noah spoke first, reflecting on her past relationship. “Honestly, I thought it was going to work with the last one, but it didn’t,” she admitted.

Miley, 32, then jumped in with a pointed reflection on her own romantic history. “Mom’s always wanted me to stay with the wrong guy ’cause they’re hot,” she said, prompting laughter but also a knowing response from her mother.

“Well, that was great advice because after so many years, you’re kind of over it and you’re like… in a relationship. At least you get to look at somebody that’s frigging hot!” Tish quipped, brushing off the seriousness of her daughter’s observation.

Miley, however, doubled down, explaining how she eventually had to undo her mom’s lessons. “No, I ended up with a person who means a lot to me and treats me really well and respects me. I had to learn that the hard way because my mommy taught me the wrong way and then I had to learn the right way by myself.”

The Grammy winner, who is now in a relationship with drummer Maxx Morando, made it clear that her partner not only checks the “hot” box but also brings respect and care—qualities she now values above all. “I had to find someone who treats me with respect and then Mom never really put that on the top three of her must-haves. Mom was like, They need to be tall. My man’s hot as hell too. But my man also respects me.”

For her part, Tish has also moved on in her own personal life. After her split from Billy Ray Cyrus in 2022, she married Prison Break actor Dominic Purcell. The relationship has itself been the subject of rumours, with speculation that Purcell may have briefly dated Miley’s younger sister, Noah, before marrying Tish. Neither Tish nor Noah has ever confirmed or denied the claims, and Noah is now engaged to fashion designer Pinkus.

The family’s candid exchange sheds light on the unconventional advice the Cyrus children say they grew up with. As Miley revealed, beauty and physical attraction were often given more weight than qualities like kindness and respect. Yet the singer emphasised that her own journey led her to reshape those priorities for herself.

“I had to learn by myself that respect should come first,” Miley said, adding that she’s glad her mom now seems to have found both. “At least now she’s got someone that’s hot and respects her.”

The playful but revealing moment has sparked a wave of fan reactions online, with many amused by Tish’s unapologetically blunt perspective, while others praised Miley for recognising the importance of healthier relationship dynamics.

From Disney star to outspoken pop powerhouse, Miley has never shied away from reflecting on her upbringing, often balancing humour with honesty. This latest glimpse into her family’s dynamic is a reminder that even the most famous households are not immune to questionable advice—and that sometimes, children end up teaching their parents what truly matters