Trace Cyrus has recently given his father, Billy Ray Cyrus, a piece of his mind. The musician and brother to Miley Cyrus wrote an emotional open letter to his father, urging him to repair his relationship with his children. He also expressed worry over Billy’s failing health, which has recently become public knowledge.
In a social media post on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, Trace Cyrus exposed the cracks between Billy and the rest of the family. Trace accused his father of keeping a dangerous distance from his children which includes popular American singer and actress Miley Cyrus.
“Since my earliest memories, all I can remember is being obsessed with you and thinking you were the coolest person ever. I wanted to be just like you,” Trace wrote in the Instagram message. Trace, who was once a guitarist for the pop band Metro Station, lamented that Billy has changed drastically since then.
“The day you adopted me was the happiest day of my life. Sadly, the man that I wanted so desperately to be just like I barely recognize now. It seems this world has beaten you down, and it’s become obvious to everyone but you,” Trace continued.
“You may be upset with me for posting this, but I really could care less at this point. Me and the girls have been genuinely worried about you for years but you’ve pushed all of us away,” Trace added.
“Noah desperately has wanted you to be a part of her life, and you haven’t even been there for her,” he wrote, referring to Billy’s youngest child, Noah Cyrus, who is 25. “That’s your baby girl. She deserves better. Somehow, just like me, she still idolizes you, though.”
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What Happened During Billy Ray Cyrus’ Performance at the Trump Inauguration?
Trace’s letter came as a response to wide criticism of Billy’s January 20 performance at Donald Trump’s inauguration Liberty Ball. Billy’s showing at the event was mostly judged as below-par. But this was mainly due to technical issues that affected his guitar. Billy’s guitar became inaudible, causing him to resort to acapella.
At the event, Billy performed “Achy Breaky Heart” and “Old Town Road,” which he did with Lil Nas X. The technical issues started while he performed “Achy Breaky Heart.” After he switched to acapella, he took off the microphone from its stand and was just reciting the lyrics instead of singing them.
After the event, Billy Ray Cyrus took some time to address the backlash from his performance. In an Instagram post, the 63-year-old shared a clip of his “Achy Breaky Heart” acapella. He captioned the video “This was the most fun part of the Liberty Ball! And if you didn’t see it… you just had to be there.”
He commended his ability to make the best out of an unpleasant situation while referencing Donald Trump’s never-say-never attitude. “In life, when you have technical difficulties, you just gotta keep going, or as President Trump would say, ‘You gotta fight,’” he advised.
Billy further stated that he was proud to have performed at the event and, despite the technical glitch, didn’t regret it one bit. “I wouldn’t have missed the honor of playing this event whether my microphone, guitar, and monitors worked or not. I was there because President Donald J. Trump invited me,” he declared.
Billy Ray Cyrus’ Son Is Also Worried About His Father’s Health
Trace also expressed concern over his father’s seemingly failing health. “We are all hanging on to memories of the man we once knew and hoping for the day he returns. You’re not healthy, Dad, and everyone is noticing it,” he stated. He also offered to help him out of any addiction he might be struggling with.
Trace had met with success in his battle with alcohol use. He announced that he had not drunk in a year and a half. “I don’t know what you’re struggling with exactly, but I think I have a pretty good idea, and I’d love to help you if you would open up and receive the help,” he wrote.
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Is Trace Cyrus Related to Miley Cyrus?
Trace, who is 35 years old, is the elder brother to singer Miley Cyrus, 32. However, they aren’t related biologically. Billy Ray Cyrus adopted Trace in 1993 alongside Brandi Cyrus, 37. Afterward, his wife, Tish Cyrus, conceived and had Miley Cyrus and Noah Cyrus.
Other Trace Cyrus siblings are Christopher Cody Cyrus, 32, who Billy had in 1992 with his former girlfriend, Kristin Luckey. Two years later, he had Braison Cyrus, 30, with Tish, who he married in 1993 and divorced in 2022.
Do Brandi and Trace Have the Same Dad?
Brandi and Trace Cyrus are biological siblings. Yes, they have the same dad. Their mom, Tish Cyrus, had them for her first husband, Baxter Neal Helson, before they split from each other. However, all the children, including Miley Cyrus and Trace Cyrus, were born by Tish, except for Christopher.
Despite their father’s alleged absence, Miley Cyrus’ siblings relate well with one another. In an Instagram post, which Trace posted in 2021, he talked about the great bond they shared. “Christmas with the family was great!” he posted along with a photo of himself with Miley and their mom Tish.
“Was sad to say goodbye today. Extremely thankful for everything god has blessed us with,” he added. Presently, Billy seems to be the only missing piece in the family puzzle. Although he is yet to respond to his son’s letter, the family remains hopeful.
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