From teenage sweethearts to Hollywood’s golden couple, Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth’s relationship played out like a real-life romantic drama—complete with passionate beginnings, turbulent twists, and an ending that shocked fans worldwide.
Their love story, which began on the set of The Last Song in 2009, spanned nearly a decade, surviving multiple breakups, tabloid rumors, and the intense scrutiny that comes with being two of the most famous young stars of their generation.
At first, they seemed like the perfect match—Miley, the rebellious Disney star breaking free from her Hannah Montana image, and Liam, the charming Australian actor who became her anchor.
Fans watched them grow up together, from their early red carpet appearances to their surprise Malibu wedding in 2018. But behind the fairy-tale facade, cracks began to show. Their marriage lasted less than a year, ending in a divorce that played out in headlines, social media spats, and, ultimately, in Miley’s music.
Before Miley Cyrus started dating Maxx Morando, she was married to Liam Hemsworth. Their love story began when they were young actors filming The Last Song in 2009.
After dating on and off for nearly ten years, they finally married in December 2018. But their marriage lasted less than one year before they separated in August 2019. Their divorce was finalized in January 2020.
Many believe Miley’s hit song “Flowers” is about moving on from Liam. Let’s look at what really happened between them.
December 23, 2018
Miley and Liam had a small wedding with family and friends. Photos showed them smiling together at their Malibu home.
July 11, 2019
In an interview with Elle magazine, Miley said she didn’t like being called a “wife.” She explained: “I’m in a hetero relationship, but I still am very sexually attracted to women. I don’t fit into a stereotypical wife role. I don’t even like that word.”
August 10, 2019
Miley posted (then deleted) photos without her wedding ring while vacationing with friend Kaitlynn Carter. Paparazzi photos showed them kissing by a pool. That same day, Miley’s representative confirmed the separation: “Liam and Miley have agreed to separate at this time. They still remain dedicated parents to all of their animals they share.”
August 11, 2019
Miley shared a long Instagram post about change: “Don’t fight evolution, because you will never win… I was taught to respect the planet and its process and I am committed to doing the same with my own.”
August 12, 2019
Liam posted his own statement: “Just a quick note to say that Miley and I have recently separated and I wish her nothing but health and happiness going forward.” Reports claimed Miley ended the relationship because Liam “partied too much.”
August 16, 2019
Miley released the song “Slide Away” with lyrics like: “Move on, we’re not 17 / I’m not who I used to be” – referencing how they met as teenagers.
August 21, 2019
Liam filed for divorce citing “irreconcilable differences.” Sources said they had a prenup and no children, making the split easier.
August 22, 2019
Miley tweeted angrily about cheating rumors: “I can admit to a lot of things but I refuse to admit that my marriage ended because of cheating. Liam and I have been together for a decade… I love Liam and always will.”
August 26, 2019
Miley performed “Slide Away” emotionally at the MTV VMAs.
January 28, 2020
Their divorce was officially completed in court.
2020-2023
Both moved on – Liam dated model Gabriella Brooks while Miley had relationships with Kaitlynn Carter and Cody Simpson.
January 13, 2023
Miley released “Flowers” on Liam’s birthday. Fans noticed lyrics seemed to respond to Bruno Mars’ “When I Was Your Man” – a song Liam once dedicated to Miley.
September 7, 2023
Miley revealed in a TikTok that she decided to end the marriage after performing at Glastonbury: “That was the day I decided that it was no longer going to work… our marriage came from a place of love but also trauma.”
April 2024
Liam’s brother Chris Hemsworth said The Last Song “changed Liam’s life” during an interview. Meanwhile, Miley’s sister Noah liked one of Liam’s shirtless gym photos on Instagram.
September 2024
Miley faced legal issues when a music company claimed “Flowers” copied Bruno Mars’ song. Sources said Miley worried she’d have to publicly confirm the song was about Liam in court.
Through it all, both have moved forward – Miley with record-breaking music and Liam with a quieter life. Their story shows how young Hollywood relationships can be complicated under public scrutiny.
Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth’s relationship was a modern Hollywood fairytale that slowly unraveled under the weight of fame, growing pains, and personal evolution. What began as a sweet teenage romance on a movie set turned into a decade-long journey of breakups, makeups, and ultimately, an irreversible parting of ways.
Their story reflects the challenges many couples face when growing up in the public eye. The same magnetic connection that brought them together in their youth—their shared experience as child stars, their rebellious spirits, their love for animals—eventually became the wedge that drove them apart.
Miley’s need for creative freedom and self-discovery clashed with Liam’s desire for a more traditional life, proving that love alone isn’t always enough to bridge fundamental differences.
Yet from the ashes of their divorce came remarkable art. Miley transformed her heartbreak into Grammy-winning music, using songwriting as both therapy and triumph.
Songs like “Slide Away” and “Flowers” don’t just tell her story—they’ve become anthems for anyone who’s loved, lost, and learned to stand on their own. Liam, meanwhile, found peace away from the spotlight, embracing a quieter life that better suits his personality.
Their relationship serves as a poignant reminder that some loves are meant to teach us, not last forever. While their marriage didn’t survive, the maturity they’ve both shown since their split—avoiding bitter feuds, wishing each other well, and focusing on personal growth—proves their bond, though changed, still carries respect.
The greatest testament to their time together? Even after everything, as Miley sings in “Flowers,” they can both say: “I can love me better than you can.” And that, perhaps, was the lesson they needed to learn all along.
