Tish Cyrus Opens Up About Her ‘Complete Psychological Breakdown’

Tish Cyrus is truly embracing joy in her life!

During an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE about the ‘Sorry We're Stoned’ podcast, a delightful project she co-hosts with her daughter Brandi Cyrus, the 56-year-old Nashville native opened up about her journey after the April 2022 divorce from Billy Ray Cyrus.

"At over 50, turning 57 this year, when I was going through the divorce and grappling with the decision to step out of a 30-year marriage, I was mostly terrified," she shared. Tish emphasized that women beyond a certain age can discover love anew.

Brandi chimed in, recalling, "And she really thought it was over." Tish nodded in agreement, adding, "Yes, I thought I was going to be alone forever. That was one of the times I experienced a crippling breakdown of anxiety. I often joke about it, saying I had a complete psychological breakdown. There were 30 days where I wasn't eating, or sleeping, just felt like I was coming out of my skin. It was genuinely scary."

Now, Tish Cyrus is finding happiness and resilience, proving that there's light and love even after challenging times.

Back in 1993, Tish Cyrus and Billy Ray, 62, exchanged vows, creating a family that includes three children of their own—Miley, Braison and Noah. Notably, Billy Ray also embraced Tish's children from a previous relationship, Brandi and Trace, as his own.

Tish, reflecting on her own journey, expressed deep understanding for women facing similar circumstances. "I get why women are scared to leave, not only bad relationships, [but to] step into new careers and all these things. And I was literally terrified," she shared, acknowledging the weight of such decisions. Eventually, it felt like a burden lifted from her shoulders.

"I would love to just be this poster child for women our age and just be like, I promise you starting over sometimes is the best thing you can ever do. It's been great for me," she continued, offering inspiration to others contemplating major life changes.

Also Read: Miley Cyrus Stuns in Multiple Outfit Changes, Playfully Reveals She ‘Forgot’ Her Underwear

After parting ways with the ‘Achy Breaky Heart’ hitmaker, Tish found love anew in ‘Prison Break’ actor Dominic Purcell. "We are so happy," she gushed about her current relationship. Making their romance public in November 2022, the couple announced their engagement the following April.

Reflecting on her previous marriage, Tish acknowledged the challenge of being married for so long, as it becomes the only reality one knows. However, with Dominic Purcell, her heart is now singing a new tune. "He just encourages me to fly," she joyfully shared about the 53-year-old actor.

– Farheen Ali