Family turmoil continues to heighten around country music icon Billy Ray Cyrus following his widely criticized performance at President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Concerns over the singer's well-being have spread through his family, who have begun to voice their worries publicly.
After taking the stage at the Liberty Ball on January 20, 2021, Billy Ray, 63, delivered what has been described as a shaky performance, riddled with technical difficulties. Reportedly, the singer struggled to get his guitar synced with the venue’s audio system, which led to viewers questioning his health and state of mind. His children, particularly Trace Cyrus, have expressed deep concern about their father's deteriorated condition.
Trace Cyrus, 35, took to social media, sharing his heartfelt worries and reflecting on the past relationship he once cherished with his father. "Sadly the man I wanted so desperately to be just like I barely recognize now," he stated, alluding to the estrangement between them. He urged his father to seek help, saying, "You’re not healthy Dad & everyone is noticing it." This post was echoed by his sisters, including Miley Cyrus, 32, who reportedly has distanced herself from the family drama after feeling overwhelmed by the situation.
Sources close to miler allege she has had no relationship with her father for some time and has “no interest” in mending things. Describing herself as being "in a great place now,” she is focusing on her own well-being, not wanting to be embroiled in family conflicts.
Concerns also arise from another family member, Firerose, Billy Ray’s ex-wife. She empathizes with the turmoil surrounding the country music star, saying, "What’s being seen in public now reflects much of what I experienced in private during our relationship." Her statement suggests longstanding personal struggles are affecting him, highlighting how past issues have resurfaced publicly.
Trace has openly conveyed the emotional toll this estrangement has taken, sharing on Instagram: "You should be ashamed of yourself," when addressing his father's potential legal threats against him for expressing concern. He pointedly noted, "Everyone close to you is terrified to tell you how they really feel." This reflects the broader sentiment of anxiety among family members about confronting Billy Ray.
Billy Ray's response to Trace's declarations was minimal, stating his intentions to focus on his upcoming album and performance plans with his son Braison. Braison, 30, expressed no hard feelings toward anyone but praised his father for working on new music, seemingly at odds with the rest of the family's alarm.
Following the performance, social media experts and fans alike criticized Billy Ray, dubbing the showcase one of the "cringiest few minutes" of recent entertainment history. Billy Ray later justified his performance, saying, "I wouldn’t have missed the honor of playing this event whether my microphone, guitar and monitors worked or not. I was there for the people, and we had a blast," attempting to provide perspective on what many considered to be disastrous.
While Braison and others defend Billy Ray, claiming he is happy and healthy, the distance between him and Trace grows painfully evident. "I live 30 minutes away from you," Trace lamented, sharing the absurdity of being so close yet so disconnected. His appeals to his father also reveal hope: "I have faith the man we all once knew is still in there somewhere. We gotta get him back," emphasizing the emotional struggle and yearning for familial bonds.
Meanwhile, Tish Cyrus, Billy Ray’s former wife, who has moved on and married “Prison Break” actor Dominic Purcell, now stands as another layer of complexity within the family narrative. The past echoes through the stories and claims of isolation felt by each family member, as their rich history entwines with present struggles.
This family saga, shaded by personal tragedies and public scrutiny, captures the complexity of relationships strained by fame and mental health concerns. With Billy Ray’s public actions sparking discomfort within his family, the hope remains for reconciliation. Family ties, after all, often run deep and remain hopeful, even amid the chaos of unresolved personal battles.
Will the Cyrus family find a way back to each other, or will the rift continue to widen? For now, the world watches closely as this deeply personal drama plays out, echoing concerns not just for Billy Ray, but for the family as they navigate their own struggles.