Billy Ray Cyrus shares personal letter from 'Achy Breaky Heart' fan President George H.W. Bush

Billy Ray Cyrus performs at Build Studio on Nov. 10, 2017, in New York City. (Photo: Noam Galai/WireImage)
Billy Ray Cyrus performs at Build Studio on Nov. 10, 2017, in New York City. (Photo: Noam Galai/WireImage)

On the same day that dignitaries honored President George H.W. Bush with a funeral at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., Billy Ray Cyrus remembered the politician’s kind words to him too.

The country star shared a letter that Bush wrote to him on Oct. 1, 1992, right about the time the mania over his debut single, “Achy Breaky Heart,” was at its peak. The song was a hit on country radio and pop stations alike. Fans everywhere were even learning the line dance associated with the tune. They snapped up T-shirts emblazoned with the phrase.

Even Bush, who was one month away from losing his bid for a second term in office, was a fan. The former Texan obviously kept up with country music. In his letter to Cyrus, Bush thanked the singer for giving him an autographed photo during a visit to Opryland in Nashville.

He also congratulated the music newcomer on winning an award for the song from the Country Music Association — the Single of the Year — the previous night.

Bush, who was 68 at the time, added, “I have a tape of “Achy Breaky Heart” and agree with the judges — it’s a hit!”

In addition to Bush’s kindness, the “Some Gave All” singer surely appreciated Bush’s record of military service.

The 41st president died Friday at his home in Houston, following a years-long struggle with a form of Parkinson’s disease. He was 94.

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