The world of country and pop music felt a deep sense of loss with the news of a beloved family matriarch’s passing. Ruth Ann Casto, the loving mother of country music superstar Billy Ray Cyrus and the cherished grandmother of global pop icon Miley Cyrus, passed away in August 2022. Though she lived her life away from the bright lights of Hollywood, her influence as the heart of the Cyrus family was immeasurable. Her story is one of quiet strength, endless support, and the powerful love that builds a dynasty.
Quick Bio of Ruth Ann Casto
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Ruth Ann Casto (also known as Ruth Ann Cyrus) |
| Known As | Matriarch of the Cyrus Family |
| Born | 1937 |
| Died | August 2022 |
| Age at Death | 85 |
| First Spouse | Ronald “Ron” Ray Cyrus |
| Children | Billy Ray Cyrus |
| Grandchildren | Brandi, Trace, Christopher Cody, Miley, Braison, Noah |
| Famous Son | Billy Ray Cyrus (Country Singer) |
| Famous Granddaughter | Miley Cyrus (Pop Star) |
| Family Nickname | “Mammie” |
| Legacy | The supportive foundation of a music dynasty |
Who Was the Real Ruth Ann Casto?
Many people know the Cyrus name, but fewer know the woman who started it all. Ruth Ann Casto was more than just the mother of a celebrity; she was the firm foundation upon which her family’s success was built. Born in 1937, she lived a life full of love and dedication. Her first marriage was to Ronald “Ron” Ray Cyrus, a respected Kentucky politician with whom she had her son, Billy Ray.
After Ron’s passing in 2006, she later married again, taking the last name Casto. This is why you might see her referred to as Ruth Ann Cyrus in older articles. No matter her name, her role remained the same: a devoted mother and grandmother. The life of Ruth Ann Casto was a testament to the idea that behind every great star is a family that offers unwavering support and love.
A Mother’s Unwavering Support: Billy Ray Cyrus and Ruth Ann Casto
Every artist has a first believer, and for Billy Ray Cyrus, that person was his mother. Long before the world was singing along to his smash hit “Achy Breaky Heart” in 1992, Ruth Ann Casto was his biggest fan. She encouraged his passion for music, believing in his talent when a career as a country singer seemed like a distant dream. Her home was filled with music and encouragement.
Billy Ray often shared stories about his mother’s steadfast support. After her passing, he posted a touching tribute online, sharing a sweet photo of them together. He wrote that his mother “had earned her wings in heaven.” This beautiful sentiment showed the world the deep, personal bond they shared. The success of Billy Ray is a direct reflection of the love Ruth Ann Casto poured into him.
The Beloved “Mammie”: A Grandmother to Stars
To the world, she was Ruth Ann Casto, but to her grandchildren, she was simply “Mammie.” She was the proud grandmother to Brandi, Trace, Christopher Cody, Miley, Braison, and Noah Cyrus. Each of them held a special place in her heart, and she watched with pride as many of them followed their father’s footsteps into the entertainment industry. She was the calm center in their often hectic, celebrity lives.
The bond between Miley Cyrus and Ruth Ann Casto was particularly special. Miley often shared photos and videos of her “Mammie” with her millions of fans on social media, showing a relationship full of laughter, wisdom, and genuine affection. These glimpses revealed a grandmother who was not only proud of her granddaughter’s fame but was also a source of comfort and normalcy. For Miley, Ruth Ann Casto was a guiding light and a best friend.
The Hannah Montana Connection: A Grandmother’s Pride
During the mid-2000s, Miley Cyrus became a household name starring in the hit Disney Channel show, Hannah Montana. While the show was about a fictional pop star, the real-life family supporting Miley was very present. Though Ruth Ann Casto never appeared on screen, her role during this time was crucial. She was the proud grandmother watching from the sidelines, offering a sense of home and stability.
As Miley navigated the pressures of young stardom, having her “Mammie” there was incredibly important. The story of Hannah Montana is a story of family, and that theme was a reality for Miley. The support from her family, with Ruth Ann Casto at its core, allowed her to handle the global phenomenon that the show became.
A Grandmother’s Love for All Her Grandchildren
While her bond with Miley was well-documented, Ruth Ann Casto had a deep love for all her grandchildren. This included Christopher Cody Cyrus, Billy Ray’s son who grew up separately from his siblings. A grandmother’s love knows no bounds, and she was a constant, loving presence in all of their lives, regardless of the circumstances.
Her other grandchildren also made their mark in the world. Trace Cyrus found fame with his band Metro Station, known for the hit song “Shake It,” and Noah Cyrus has become a successful singer-songwriter in her own right, earning a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. The immense talent in this family is a legacy that Ruth Ann Casto helped nurture through her love and support.
Ties to Country Music Royalty: The Dolly Parton Friendship
The Cyrus family has deep roots in country music, and their relationships extend to some of the genre’s biggest legends. The most notable of these is their lifelong friendship with the one and only Dolly Parton. Dolly is Miley’s godmother and has been a close friend of Billy Ray for decades. This close-knit relationship naturally extended to the family matriarch, Ruth Ann Casto.
This friendship highlights the kind of warm, welcoming environment that Ruth Ann Casto fostered. She was part of a community built on loyalty and shared history. The connection with Dolly Parton wasn’t just about music; it was about being family. It shows that the kindness and love Ruth Ann Casto embodied were felt by everyone who entered the Cyrus family circle.
The Legacy of Ruth Ann Casto: Age, Obituary, and Memories
Ruth Ann Casto passed away at the age of 85. Her obituary celebrated a life well-lived, focusing not on fame or fortune but on her unwavering dedication to her family. The official Ruth Ann Casto obituary described her as a beloved mother and grandmother whose greatest joy was seeing her family happy and successful. It painted a picture of a woman who was kind, strong, and deeply loved.
Many people search for “Ruth Ann Casto songs,” but she was not a musician herself. Her music was the laughter of her family, and her legacy is the love she passed down through generations. The story of Ruth Ann Casto is a powerful reminder that the most important roles we play are often the quietest ones. She was the heart of her family, and her spirit lives on in her children and grandchildren.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who was Ruth Ann Casto?
She was the mother of country music star Billy Ray Cyrus and the grandmother of global pop icon Miley Cyrus. She was considered the matriarch of the family. - How was Ruth Ann Casto connected to Dolly Parton?
She was not a direct relative, but Dolly Parton is Miley Cyrus’s godmother and a very close, lifelong friend of the entire Cyrus family, including Ruth Ann. - Did Ruth Ann Casto appear on the show Hannah Montana?
No, she never appeared on the show. Her connection is that she was the real-life grandmother of its star, Miley Cyrus, and was a very supportive figure in her life. - What did her family call her?
Her grandchildren, including Miley, affectionately called her “Mammie.” - When did Ruth Ann Casto pass away?
She passed away in August 2022 at the age of 85.
Conclusion
The life of Ruth Ann Casto was one of profound impact, lived with grace and humility. She was the bedrock of a family that has entertained millions around the world. From supporting Billy Ray’s first dreams in Kentucky to watching Miley Cyrus perform on global stages, she was a constant source of love. While she will be dearly missed, the legacy of Ruth Ann Casto will continue to shine brightly through the family she so lovingly nurtured.
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