Miley Cyrus' Parents Billy Ray and Tish Cyrus Divorcing

Achy-breaky heart time as couple cite irreconcilable differences as reason behind split

By Josh Grossberg Oct 27, 2010 11:22 PMTags
Billy Ray Cyrus, Miley Cyrus, Tish CyrusEric Charbonneau/Le Studio/Wireimage

This is really achy-breaky heart time for Miley Cyrus and her family.

Her parents, Billy Ray Cyrus and Tish Cyrus, have announced they are divorcing after 17 years of marriage.

"As you can imagine, this is a very difficult time for our family," the couple said in a statement. "We are trying to work through some personal matters. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers."

The Cyruses filed divorce papers Wednesday in Tennessee, citing irreconcilable differences.

"It was a long time coming. It is the best thing for both of them," a source close to the couple tells E! News, adding that contrary to some tabloid speculation there was  no third party responsible.

(Originally published October 27, 2010 at 2:28 PT)

The country crooner-turned-actor swapped vows with Leticia "Tish"  Finley in December 1992. They have three children together, Miley, 17, Braison, 16 and Noah, 10. Billy Ray also has two stepkids he adopted when they were infants and a son from a previous relationship.

Miley's hugely anticipated "The Big Bang" will be revealed Monday at 7 p.m. on E! News! Check out the teaser: