A woman from Arizona has stepped forward with a deeply personal story that challenges the public narrative around Miley Cyrus’s early life.
Jayme Lee, now 45, asserts that she is the singer’s biological mother, sharing details of a harrowing experience rooted in childhood trauma and a quest for justice that has spanned decades.
While Billy Ray Cyrus has firmly denied these allegations, calling them false and absurd, Lee’s account highlights broader issues of vulnerability and recovery that resonate far beyond celebrity circles.
The Origins of a Painful Secret
Jayme Lee, born Jayme Lee Paxton in Ruidoso, New Mexico, recounts a childhood marked by exploitation.
She claims local cartel-affiliated gangs trafficked her from a young age, leading to an unimaginable pregnancy at just 12 years old.
During this period of her life, she says, she made desperate attempts to escape, including temporary stays with her grandparents in California. Amid the fear and isolation, Lee focused on protecting the unborn child at all costs.
A faded photograph from her youth, showing her stepping off a small red-and-white plane in Jamul, California, serves as a pivotal piece of her evidence.
The image captures her coat flaring outward, which Lee interprets as revealing a baby bump. This snapshot has fueled her determination to uncover the truth, prompting her to reflect on the miles she traveled during those dark times.
She chose the name “Miley” for the baby, symbolizing the extensive journeys endured while being trafficked.
Interestingly, Miley Cyrus was officially named Destiny Hope Cyrus at birth, with her nickname derived from “Smiley,” according to her adoptive parents, adding layers to the emotional complexity of Lee’s narrative.
Lee’s story underscores the long-term effects of such trauma. She attributes periods of forgotten memories to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a diagnosis she received in 2016 after checking into a mental health facility affiliated with Arizona State University.
This revelation not only reshaped her understanding of her past but also motivated her to speak out, hoping to support others who faced similar experiences.
Desperate Measures for a Better Future
In her efforts to secure a safe home for the child, Lee approached several high-profile figures, including Julia Roberts, Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, and even Hillary Clinton.
She reportedly presented herself as 14 years old to avoid involvement from authorities, a tactic born from distrust and fear. Dolly Parton, who later became Miley’s godmother, allegedly connected her with Billy Ray Cyrus, leading to an agreement for an open adoption.
According to Lee, she gave birth alone in Ocean Beach, California, before handing the infant over to Billy Ray and Tish Cyrus at a rental property in Encinitas.
The arrangement, she believed, would allow her to remain involved as a nanny and piano teacher, fostering a continued bond.
However, contact was severed shortly after, leaving Lee with a sense of profound loss and betrayal.
Legal Hurdles and the Pursuit of Proof
Lee’s journey has led to multiple legal actions, including state and federal lawsuits alleging breach of contract, fraud, misrepresentation, emotional distress, and interference with parental rights.
Two cases have been dismissed, with a Tennessee judge ordering her to pay Billy Ray Cyrus approximately $7,500 in legal fees in December 2025.
Undeterred, she plans to file a family court case in Malibu, California, specifically requesting a DNA test to substantiate her claims.
Key elements of her legal strategy include:
- Highlighting the childhood photo as visual evidence of her pregnancy.
- Emphasizing the PTSD diagnosis to explain memory gaps.
- Stressing the need for a DNA test without intending to disrupt Miley’s current family bonds.
Lee has made it clear that her goal is not to reclaim motherhood but to validate her experiences.
“I would ask Miley to do a DNA test to get the truth to show that I am her birth mom,” she stated.
“I understand that I’m biologically her mom. Does it mean that now I’m her mom? I’m not. I’m not claiming any of those moments, and I’m not trying to take away anything of what she and Tish have.”
This measured approach reflects a desire for closure rather than conflict, inviting broader discussions on how society handles unverified claims involving public figures.
What do you think about Jayme Lee’s claims? Share your thoughts in the comments below – we’d love to hear your perspective on this emotional story.
