American music legend Tom Petty passed away from a heart attack just a week after concluding his 40th Anniversary Tour, at the age of 66. The swift and widespread outpouring of grief was palpable. In response, Miley Cyrus, who hadn’t initially planned to perform “Wildflowers” during her *Tonight Show* appearance promoting her album *Younger Now*, decided to include it as a tribute. She and her band first rehearsed the song the night after Petty’s death, and Miley performed it the next morning on the Howard Stern Radio Show in a raw, emotional version.
The feedback on Miley’s “Wildflowers” performance on *The Tonight Show* falls into three main areas: first, viewers were impressed by Miley’s vocal range, with many praising her ability to sing across genres; second, the performance was seen as a heartfelt tribute to Petty; and third, fans were moved by the visible bond between Miley and her father. You can listen to the Stern Show version of “Wildflowers” to truly appreciate the emotional depth of her tribute.
Miley’s relationship with her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, has had its ups and downs, especially after their parents’ divorce and Billy Ray’s relationship with a woman younger than Miley. Miley’s absence from her father’s wedding to Firerose in October 2023 and her omission of him in her 2024 Grammy acceptance speech highlighted their strained relationship. However, recent developments suggest a possible reconciliation, as Billy Ray, now 62, has separated from Firerose.
For those interested in their recent interactions, Miley and Billy Ray’s cover of Tom Petty’s “Wildflowers” during Miley’s week on *The Tonight Show* showcases their strong connection. This performance, which occurred on October 5, 2017, just a few days after Petty’s death, is particularly poignant, reflecting both Miley’s and Billy Ray’s emotional tribute to the late musician.
Comments from viewers on the *Tonight Show* performance reveal a mix of admiration for Miley’s vocal skills, appreciation for the tribute, and emotional reactions to the father-daughter dynamic. Some fans noted the performance evoked feelings of nostalgia, while others were touched by the respect Billy Ray showed by supporting his daughter without overshadowing her.
In the wake of these events, Billy Ray is reportedly seeking an annulment of his marriage to Firerose, citing fraud, and Miley addressed the rift with her father on David Letterman’s Netflix show in June 2024, reflecting on the complexities of their relationship and expressing gratitude for her upbringing.