Billy Ray Cyrus and Elizabeth Hurley. Credit : Elisabetta A. Villa/Getty
Billy Ray Cyrus and Elizabeth Hurley officially stepped into the spotlight as a couple on Saturday, May 24, gracing the red carpet together for the first time during a glamorous evening in Rome. The 63-year-old country music icon and the 59-year-old actress attended a prestigious dinner celebrating the opening of the Orizzonti/Rosso exhibition at the historic Palazzo Barberini, hosted by the Fondazione Valentino Garavani e Giancarlo Giammetti.
The couple turned heads with their impeccable fashion. Hurley stunned in a striking hot pink gown featuring a daring plunging neckline and sweeping sleeves. Her ensemble was complemented by silver platform sandals—perhaps a playful nod to her Austin Powers days—along with soft waves in her hair and statement earrings. Cyrus embraced his signature rocker-meets-cowboy aesthetic, wearing sleek black pants with silver medallion detailing, a leather-accented jacket, sunglasses, a western hat, and bold black boots.
They weren’t alone in their red carpet moment. Hurley’s 23-year-old son, Damian, joined them wearing a vibrant red suit and dark shades, adding an extra spark to the trio’s presence.
Hurley later shared a snapshot of the evening on Instagram with a simple caption: “Roma 💞💞💞💞.” Just days earlier, a source told PEOPLE that the actress was unfazed by critics of her relationship with Cyrus. “Liz isn’t bothered by critics. She cherishes their shared interests, like country music,” the insider revealed. “She’s enchanted by his Southern charm. His presence brings a sense of calm and joy.”
The couple reportedly has plans to celebrate Hurley’s milestone 60th birthday on June 10, and their bond continues to deepen. Romance rumors began swirling in April when Cyrus posted a photo of the two sharing a kiss during Easter in Tennessee. According to a source, Hurley spent several peaceful weeks with Cyrus before returning to the U.K., thoroughly enjoying the quiet surroundings and his company.
Their connection dates back to the 2022 holiday film “Christmas in Paradise,” which they filmed together in the Caribbean. On a recent appearance on Apple Country Music’s The Ty Bentli Show, Cyrus confirmed their romance, reflecting on the surprising chemistry they shared. “We shared a lot of laughs during a period when laughing was rare for me,” he said. “I expected us to be polar opposites, yet we found more similarities than differences.”
Cyrus, who recently went through a divorce from singer Firerose, spoke warmly about how Hurley reached out to him as a supportive friend during a challenging time. “In that moment, a friend reached out,” he shared. “She’s a phenomenal human being. I haven’t felt this happy in a long time.”
