Ron Cyrus

Ronald Ray Cyrus (July 10, 1935 – February 28, 2006) was an American politician and public servant in Greenup County, Kentucky. A member of the Democratic Party, he was elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives for 10 consecutive terms, from 1975 until he retired in 1996.

Early life Cyrus was born in Flatwoods, Kentucky, to Verlina Adeline (née Hay; 1894–1980) and Eldon Lindsey Cyrus (1895–1975). He was a 1959 graduate of Russell High School, a graduate of Ashland Community and Technical College, and attended the University of Kentucky.

Politics A member of the Democratic Party, he was elected a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives for Kentucky's 98th Legislative District, which encompasses Greenup County, in 1975, and began his career in the General Assembly in 1976. He was elected to 10 consecutive terms—serving a total of 21 years—until he retired from office in 1996.

The song "I Miss You" by Cyrus's granddaughter Miley Cyrus was written for him and was featured on her 2007 album Hannah Montana 2: Meet Miley Cyrus. The song "Hey Daddy" by Cyrus's son Billy Ray Cyrus is also dedicated to him, on the album Wanna Be Your Joe. Billy Ray sang this song to Cyrus, the night before his death. In honor of Cyrus, his granddaughter, Miley chose to act as "Ronnie" for her character in the 2010 film The Last Song. She also changed her middle name from "Hope" to "Ray" in Cyrus's honor. A chapter of her autobiography Miles to Go is also dedicated to Cyrus.