Miley Cyrus & Liam Hemsworth: Revisiting the Epic Love Story, From First Kiss to Final Farewell
The romance between Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth captivated audiences worldwide, becoming one of Hollywood’s most intensely watched and discussed relationships. Spanning over a decade, their journey was a rollercoaster of emotions, public scrutiny, and profound personal growth, marked by numerous reconciliations, a fairytale engagement, a secret wedding, and ultimately, a high-profile divorce. Their story, a true saga of on-again, off-again love, constantly kept fans and the media guessing about their future.
From their initial spark on a film set to navigating the intense pressures of global superstardom, Miley, 27 at the time of their final split, and Liam, then 30, endured a relationship that mirrored the dramatic arcs of a romantic epic. They faced a myriad of challenges, including public breakups, periods of dating other people, a celebrated engagement, a brief marriage, and finally, a difficult separation and divorce. The “We Can’t Stop” singer officially announced their split in August 2019, leading to their divorce being finalized in January 2020. Even years after their official separation, Miley has continued to speak candidly about their time together, offering deeper insights into what truly transpired during their tumultuous and passionate bond. Join us as we journey through their unforgettable romance, from the moment they first crossed paths to their ultimate farewell.
2008-2009: The Genesis of Miley & Liam’s Romance on “The Last Song”
The year 2008 marked the pivotal beginning of Miley and Liam’s love story. The two young actors were cast as romantic leads in the 2010 film adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ novel, The Last Song. At the time, Miley, a vibrant 17-year-old, was a household name, globally recognized for her starring role as the Disney Channel sensation Hannah Montana, an iconic figure for millions of young fans. Liam, on the other hand, was a promising but relatively unknown Australian actor, just beginning his ascent in Hollywood. Their on-screen chemistry quickly transcended the script, blossoming into a real-life romance amidst the picturesque backdrop of their Georgia film set. Reports from the set, later recounted by sources like Glamour, indicated a deep connection forming between them. The intensity of their bond became undeniable, culminating in a passionate goodbye kiss after filming wrapped, signaling the undeniable start of their whirlwind journey together.
2010: Red Carpet Debut, Public Scrutiny, and Early Breakups
As their film, The Last Song, prepared for release, Miley and Liam took their relationship public. They made their highly anticipated red carpet debut as a couple at an exclusive Oscars event in early 2010, as chronicled by Cosmopolitan. Their joint appearance immediately confirmed their romance to the world, solidifying their status as a nascent Hollywood power couple. This was quickly followed by their joint attendance at The Last Song premiere in March, where they radiated youth and undeniable affection. However, the pressures of fame and their budding careers soon began to test their relationship. The year was marked by their first taste of the “on-again, off-again” dynamic that would define much of their romance. Reports surfaced of a breakup in August, only for the couple to reconcile shortly after in September, reigniting hope among their growing fanbase. But the reconciliation proved short-lived, as they reportedly called it quits once more in November, leaving fans and the media questioning the longevity of their intense, youthful love.
2011: Quiet Reconciliation and Growing Seriousness
After the tumultuous end to 2010, Miley and Liam reportedly found their way back to each other in April 2011, opting for a more private approach to their rekindled romance. Their public appearances became fewer, suggesting a conscious effort to shield their relationship from intense media scrutiny. A notable public outing occurred when Liam accompanied Miley to the prestigious CNN Heroes Gala in Los Angeles. This appearance was significant, signaling a more serious and supportive phase of their relationship, demonstrating Liam’s commitment to supporting Miley in her philanthropic endeavors. The rest of the year passed with relative quietude for the couple, a stark contrast to the previous year’s drama. This period, characterized by a calmer presence in the spotlight, would later be seen as the “calm before the storm,” an unsuspecting prelude to the monumental changes and challenges that lay ahead in their journey together.
2012: The Proposal – Liam Puts a Ring On It
The year 2012 marked a major turning point for Miley and Liam, signaling a deeper commitment. Their relationship appeared stronger than ever, with Liam supporting Miley at high-profile events, including the exclusive Vanity Fair Oscar Bash in February. In return, Miley was a pillar of support for Liam, attending the premiere of his breakout film, The Hunger Games, in March, celebrating his burgeoning success. Rumors of an engagement began to swirl with increasing intensity when Miley was photographed wearing a dazzling diamond ring on her left hand. The speculation reached a fever pitch, culminating in June when the couple officially confirmed their engagement to the world. Miley openly shared her joy and anticipation, stating, “I’m so happy to be engaged and look forward to a life of happiness with Liam.” This announcement sent ripples of excitement through their fan bases, who had keenly followed their love story, celebrating this significant step towards a future together. Their engagement ring, a stunning 3.5-carat cushion-cut diamond, quickly became a symbol of their enduring love and commitment, promising a fairytale ending that many hoped for.
2013: Tumultuous Times, Public Breakup, and Personal Transformations
2013 proved to be an incredibly challenging year for the engaged couple, pushing their relationship to its breaking point amidst unprecedented public scrutiny and Miley’s dramatic transformation. For five months, the couple was notably absent from public sight together, fueling endless speculation about their status. This period coincided with Miley’s deliberate and radical artistic reinvention, marked by the release of her groundbreaking album Bangerz and her now-infamous, highly controversial “twerking” performance at the MTV Video Music Awards. These events shocked the world and firmly established Miley’s new, provocative image, a stark departure from her Disney past. Shortly after, the strain became too much, and the couple officially called off their engagement and announced their separation. The aftermath was swift and highly publicized; Liam was photographed making out with actress Eiza Gonzalez, further cementing the finality of their split in the public eye. In a poignant, emotionally charged performance shortly after the breakup, Miley, visibly heartbroken, broke down in tears while singing her power ballad “Wrecking Ball,” a song widely interpreted as an ode to her lost love with Liam. This year marked a definitive end to their first chapter, initiating a period of profound personal change for both stars.
2014-2015: New Romances and Miley’s Candid Exploration of Sexuality
Following her high-profile split from Liam, Miley Cyrus embarked on a new romantic journey, beginning to date Patrick Schwarzenegger in November 2014. Their relationship generated significant media attention, with fans and paparazzi closely tracking their every move. However, this romance proved to be short-lived, dissolving the following April. While Miley explored a new relationship, the years 2014 and 2015 were relatively quiet regarding any direct interaction or public mention between Miley and Liam, allowing them both space to heal and grow independently. During this period, Miley also began to openly and candidly discuss her sexuality and gender identity, a crucial aspect of her evolving public persona. In a revealing Paper magazine interview, she shared deeply personal insights: “I remember telling [my mom] I admire women in a different way. And she asked me what that meant. And I said, ‘I love them. I love them like I love boys.'” This period saw Miley emerge as a powerful voice for LGBTQ+ rights and self-acceptance, using her platform to foster understanding and challenge conventional norms, further solidifying her image as an authentic and boundary-pushing artist.
2016: A Shocking Reunion and Rekindled Engagement
After years apart and navigating individual paths, 2016 delivered a delightful surprise to fans: Miley and Liam were spotted together for the first time in years in January. The sighting occurred at a music festival in Liam’s home country of Australia, instantly igniting rumors of a possible reconciliation. Further fueling the speculation, Elsa Pataky, the wife of Liam’s older brother Chris Hemsworth, shared a cozy picture of herself happily hanging out with Miley, signaling a warm welcome back into the Hemsworth family fold. Shortly thereafter, eagle-eyed fans noticed Miley proudly wearing her old engagement ring, unequivocally confirming that the flame between her and Liam had not only been rekindled but had led to their re-engagement. Their reconciliation was gradually made public, with the couple photographed together more frequently, most notably in April. The confirmation came directly from Miley herself during an October episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where she verbally acknowledged that the engagement was indeed back on. This reunion was met with widespread excitement and relief from fans who had always hoped to see “Miam” back together, proving that some loves are truly meant to find their way back home.
2017: Love Anthem “Malibu” and Public Displays of Affection
In 2017, Miley and Liam continued to exemplify a serene and happy relationship, showcasing a mature and grounded love that felt a world away from their earlier, more tumultuous years. Their bond was publicly celebrated and immortalized in May when Miley released “Malibu,” a deeply personal and heartfelt song dedicated entirely to Liam. The track, with its stripped-down sound and vulnerable lyrics, served as a love letter to her fiancé, detailing their renewed connection and the peace she found in their relationship and their shared life near the beach in Malibu. “Malibu” marked a significant artistic shift for Miley, moving towards a more acoustic and reflective style, and quickly became a fan favorite, seen as a testament to their enduring love. Further cementing their supportive partnership, Liam made a charming guest appearance on a November episode of Saturday Night Live, where Miley was the musical guest, sharing a sweet moment on screen that delighted viewers. This year was characterized by a visible sense of contentment and mutual adoration, painting a picture of a couple truly in love and ready for their next big step.
2018: Facing Adversity and Finally Saying “I Do”
The year 2018 presented both profound challenges and ultimate joy for Miley and Liam. Early in the year, they maintained their status as a glamorous Hollywood couple, attending high-profile events such as the 90th Academy Awards, Elton John’s prestigious annual AIDS Foundation viewing party, and the star-studded Vanity Fair post-Oscars bash. These appearances showcased their united front and unwavering commitment. In July, a brief moment of panic swept through their fanbase when Miley mysteriously deleted all her posts from Instagram, leading to rampant speculation about another potential breakup. However, Liam swiftly reassured concerned followers by posting a sweet picture of them together on his own Instagram in August, confirming that their relationship was still very much on track. The couple then faced a devastating personal tragedy in November when their beloved Malibu home was tragically destroyed in the ferocious California brushfires. This shared experience of loss brought them even closer, strengthening their bond in the face of adversity. It was amidst this backdrop of resilience and renewed appreciation for each other that they finally, after years of a passionate and complex romance, tied the knot. In December, Miley and Liam exchanged vows in an intimate, private ceremony held during the Winter holidays, surrounded by close family and friends. Their long-awaited marriage marked the culmination of a decade-long love story, celebrated with quiet joy away from the glare of the public eye.
2019: Marriage, Hopes for a Family, and a Shocking Split
Entering 2019 as newlyweds, Miley proudly confirmed her marriage to Liam, and their future seemed filled with promise. In May, Liam playfully expressed his desire for a large family, remarking he wanted “maybe 20 kids” with Miley, a statement that underscored their apparent happiness and long-term vision. They made a stunning appearance together at the prestigious Met Gala, showcasing a united and glamorous front. However, between their Met Gala appearance and August 2019, an unforeseen shift occurred, leading to a heartbreaking and abrupt change in their relationship dynamics. At the beginning of August, the couple shocked the world by announcing their separation, revealing that they had decided to part ways. Less than two weeks later, the finality of their split was confirmed when Liam officially filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. Their highly anticipated marriage, which had culminated after years of an on-again, off-again romance, lasted less than eight months. During this emotionally charged period, Miley released the poignant track “Slide Away,” a song widely interpreted by fans and critics alike as a deeply personal reflection on the breakdown of her relationship with Liam, offering a raw glimpse into her grief and moving forward.
2020: Miley’s Candid Reflections on the End of Their Relationship
In the aftermath of their divorce, Miley Cyrus remained unreserved, openly discussing her feelings and experiences surrounding the highly public end of her relationship with Liam. In various interviews, including a notable appearance on the Joe Rogan podcast, she articulated the pain and frustration she felt, particularly concerning how the media portrayed her in the split. “I just went through a very public divorce which f**king sucked,” she revealed, reflecting on the intense emotional toll. She clarified that the core issue wasn’t the realization that their love had changed. “What really sucked about it wasn’t the fact that me and someone that I loved realized that we don’t love each other the way that we used to anymore. That’s okay, I can accept that,” she explained with remarkable candor. Her real struggle, she emphasized, was with the narrative spun by the press: “I can’t accept the villainizing and just all those stories.” Miley’s openness provided a raw and honest perspective on the complexities of navigating a high-profile breakup, highlighting the added burden of public judgment and misinformation. Despite the end of their marriage, both Miley and Liam have since moved forward, each continuing their successful careers and personal journeys, leaving behind a love story that will forever remain a significant chapter in Hollywood history.