Pop superstar Miley Cyrus has sent fans into a frenzy with the surprise reveal of her engagement ring, but a new report sheds light on the humble beginnings of her relationship with fiancé Maxx Morando. According to an insider, the musician was still residing at his parents' home when the pair first started dating four years ago.
The Surprising Start of a Star-Crossed Romance
The 33-year-old "Wrecking Ball" singer confirmed her engagement days ago, dazzling on the red carpet at the 'Avatar: Fire & Ash' premiere on December 4. Her gold and diamond ring was proudly on display, confirming rumours about her relationship status with longtime partner Maxx Morando. The couple have been together for four years, but a source close to the pair has revealed an unexpected detail about Morando's circumstances at the start of their courtship.
The insider told Page Six that 27-year-old Morando "was still living at his parents' house when they started dating." The six-year age gap between the singer and her fiancé is now a well-known fact, but this new insight paints a picture of a more grounded beginning for the high-profile couple. It was also noted that Morando, a musician, had only had two serious girlfriends prior to meeting the global pop icon.
Family Ties and Industry Backgrounds
Despite his modest living situation at the time, Morando is no stranger to the entertainment world. Similar to Cyrus's own upbringing in the spotlight, Maxx grew up surrounded by the industry. His father, Dan Morando, is a television producer known for his work on major reality shows like 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition' and 'The Bachelor'. His mother, Amy Morando, works as a production coordinator.
The source described Morando's character to Page Six, saying, "He’s very low-key — he’s always been like that. He’s fun and silly — just a sweetheart." This temperament seems to complement Cyrus's own vibrant personality. The proposal itself took place during a romantic trip to Japan, a moment that clearly took the usually in-control singer by surprise.
Cyrus on Love, Growth, and Family Approval
Speaking to Good Morning America about the engagement, Cyrus admitted, "I am not easy to surprise, because I love to control every situation. And I had completely surrendered." She reflected on the profound personal growth she has experienced during their four-year relationship, crediting much of it to her partner. "It’s very obvious the drastic amount of growth that I’ve had in those four years… and a lot of that is because I have a great partner," she gushed.
The former child star elaborated on the support Morando provides, saying, "You just want to dream the biggest you can, and you want to have someone by your side that always tells you, 'You can do it.'" This sentiment is echoed by her family, particularly her mother, Tish Cyrus. On her 'Sorry We're Cyrus' podcast in June, Tish gave her full approval, stating, "All my girls are in such super-healthy, amazing relationships."
The proud matriarch, now married to actor Dominic Purcell, added, "I love love and I think that they have been much more cautious in love than I was, and taken longer to make sure it's the right person."
In a November 2024 interview with Harper's Bazaar, Cyrus briefly touched on their dynamic, highlighting their differences and similarities. She pointed out their generational gap, noting, "He grew up with a laptop. I had a desktop computer that I shared with my brothers and sisters." She humorously cited his reliance on Reddit for pet care advice for their dog. Yet, she concluded that at their core, they are aligned: "He's very similar to me. We just don't take life too seriously." With family blessings and a foundation built over four years, the couple now looks ahead to planning their future together.
