Billy Ray Cyrus’ family are “genuinely worried” about him, says Trace Cyrus 

Trace Cyrus has shared a statement online saying that he and his family are “genuinely worried” about his father Billy Ray Cyrus.

The Metro Station guitarist, who is also the elder brother of Miley Cyrus and Noah Cyrus, took to Instagram yesterday (January 22) to share an open letter to this father amid the widely criticised performance at Trump’s Inauguration earlier this week.

Held at the Liberty Ball on Monday (January 20), the country star experienced a wave of technical difficulties and was accused of lip-syncing during the event, while some online also questioned his current state.

Now, in the new statement shared by Trace, the guitarist has explained how he and other family members have been left concerned about his wellbeing.

“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 began. “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 recognise now. It seems this world has beaten you down and it’s become obvious to everyone but you.”

“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 wrote. “Noah desperately has wanted you to be a part of her life, and you haven’t even been there for her… That’s your baby girl. She deserves better. Somehow just like me, she still idolises you though.”

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A post shared by Trace Cyrus (@tracecyrus)

Trace continued, looking back at his own battles, saying that he finds himself holding on to happier moments from the past. “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. Just like I showed up for you at Mamaw’s funeral when you didn’t expect me to, I’m still here right now.

“As I write this with tears in my eyes, I hope you realise this message only comes from a place of love and also fear that the world may lose you far too soon.”

Adding that he was “over a year and a half clean from alcohol,” he spoke directly to Billy Ray, saying: “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. You know how to reach me. Till that day comes I will continue to pray for you.”

At time of writing, Billy Ray has yet to respond publicly to Trace’s post, although he did previously address the tumultuous set at the Liberty Ball. Speaking to People, he reflected on the wave of technical issues that plagued the set, saying: “I wouldn’t have missed the honour of playing this event whether my microphone, guitar, and monitors worked or not. That’s called rock and roll!”

In other Billy Ray Cyrus news, last summer the ‘Achy Breaky Heart’ singer “vehemently” denied accusations of abuse from his estranged wife Firerose, and alleged that he was “physically, verbally and emotionally” abused by her during their marriage.

The two separated in May 2024, less than a year after their marriage in October 2023. The court documents cited the reasons for divorce as irreconcilable differences and inappropriate marital conduct. Cyrus is also seeking an annulment on the grounds of fraud, claiming that Firerose lied about her last name and being married twice before.

Shortly before then, Miley Cyrus addressed rumours of estrangement from her father in an interview with David Letterman.

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