In a heartfelt and nostalgic moment, Miley Cyrus has finally addressed one of the longest-standing rumors from the early 2000s Disney era. The singer and actress confirmed that she secretly dated Dylan Sprouse during their formative years as child stars, a revelation that has reignited fans’ fascination with the golden age of Disney Channel. This candid admission came during the much-anticipated Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special, where Cyrus took a reflective look back at her teenage years in the spotlight and the relationships that influenced her journey.
“Secretly, OK, Dylan Sprouse was my boyfriend. I think he was the cutest,” Cyrus revealed with a smile, putting to rest years of speculation and rumors that had swirled around their friendship. Her confirmation instantly became one of the most talked-about highlights of the special, prompting many viewers to revisit the early 2000s Disney era that catapulted both stars into the limelight.
At 33 years old, Cyrus reminisced about her youthful crush on Sprouse, describing how their bond extended beyond their on-screen collaborations. She fondly recalled how Dylan’s father would often take them out for sushi, blending cultural experiences with budding young romance. “I was into the whole culture, and it was a two-for-one. Like, bring the brother,” she joked, referring to Dylan’s twin brother, Cole Sprouse, who also rose to fame alongside him.
Their connection was also immortalized in the 2006 Disney Channel crossover event That’s So Suite Life of Hannah Montana, which brought together characters from Hannah Montana, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, and That’s So Raven in a landmark television moment. This special episode remains a fan favorite, symbolizing the peak of Disney’s early 2000s programming.
Interestingly, Dylan Sprouse had hinted at this relationship years earlier during a 2008 interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. He mentioned that they had dated when they were about 11 or 12 years old but suggested that the romance fizzled out after Nick Jonas entered the picture. Miley has also spoken about her past relationship with Jonas, emphasizing that they have both moved on with their lives. “I like Nick. He’s married with children. We’re all moving on. Everything is good,” she shared in a separate interview, highlighting the amicable nature of their past.
Beyond these youthful romances, the anniversary special delves deeper into Miley’s rise to fame and the challenges she faced behind the scenes during her Disney Channel years. Now engaged to musician Maxx Morando, Cyrus also opened up about embracing a new chapter in her life, finding love and happiness beyond her early experiences in the entertainment industry.
The Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special premiered on March 24 and is available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu, offering fans a nostalgic yet insightful look at one of the most iconic shows of the 2000s and the stars who helped define a generation.
