Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus Reunite for ‘Hannah Montana’ 20th Anniversary

Miley Cyrus is celebrating the 20th anniversary of her breakout role in Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana with a special reunion alongside her father, Billy Ray Cyrus. The forthcoming Disney+ special, airing March 24, 2026, marks a public reconciliation following recent family dynamics that played out in the public eye.

A Family Affair: Reuniting on Screen and Beyond

The reunion comes after a period of speculation regarding a rift between Miley and Billy Ray, fueled by his 2022 split from Miley’s mother, Tish Cyrus, and his subsequent relationship with Elizabeth Hurley. While Miley attended her mother’s 2023 wedding with siblings Brandi and Trace, younger siblings Braison and Noah were not present. Further fueling rumors, Miley did not mention her father during her 2024 Grammy acceptance speech, publicly acknowledging her mother as her “hero.”

Miley addressed these challenges in May 2025, stating that while she and her father had experienced difficulties, they were not estranged. The Disney+ special provides a visible demonstration of their renewed connection. A teaser trailer released on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, shows Miley, sporting her iconic blonde Hannah Montana wig, and Billy Ray sharing a familiar hip bump handshake while revisiting the show’s original set.

What to Expect in the Anniversary Special

The 20th Anniversary Special features archival footage, recreated sets, and an interview hosted by Alex Cooper of the “Call Her Daddy” podcast. The special as well includes appearances by Tish Cyrus, who is seen with Miley revisiting Hannah Montana’s iconic closet and looking through old photos from the show. Miley reflects on the show’s impact, stating, “This anniversary is for them, it’s for us,” referring to the show’s dedicated fanbase.

Billy Ray Cyrus shared the teaser trailer on Instagram, writing, “20 years later and @mileycyrus still knows the old handshake trick.” The handshake originated during Miley’s audition process for the series, when casting directors encouraged her mother to seek out a suitable actor to play her father.

A Nostalgic Return to Roots

The special promises a trip down memory lane for fans of the series, revisiting the music and moments that defined a generation. While the special primarily focuses on Miley and her parents, the absence of other cast members, such as Emily Osment, has been noted. However, the core focus remains on Miley’s journey and her relationship with her father, marking a significant moment of reconciliation and celebration for both the Cyrus family and the Hannah Montana legacy.