- Trace Cyrus has penned an emotional open letter to his father Billy Ray Cyrus on Instagram, saying that his family is “worried” about him
- “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,” the former Metro Station singer wrote alongside a throwback photo of the pair on stage
- Trace’s comments come after his dad received criticism for his performance at the Liberty Ball, part of President Donald Trump’s inaugural festivities, on Monday, Jan. 20
Trace Cyrus is voicing his concerns for his father Billy Ray Cyrus amid him receiving criticism for his performance during President Donald Trump’s inaugural festivities.
On Wednesday, Jan. 22, Trace, 35 — who Billy Ray, 63, adopted in 1993 after marrying his now ex-wife Tish Cyrus — penned an emotional open letter to the musician on Instagram, writing that since his “earliest memories” all he can remember was “being obsessed” with his dad and thinking he was “the coolest person ever.”
“I wanted to be just like you. 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,” the former Metro Station lead singer wrote. He did not mention his dad’s performance at Trump’s inauguration Liberty Ball on Jan. 20 in the post.
Trace added alongside a throwback photo of the father and son on stage, “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.”
Appearing to reference his sisters Brandi Cyrus, 37 — who Billy Ray also adopted in 1993 — Miley Cyrus, 32, and Noah Cyrus, 25, Trace continued in the post, “Me and the girls have been genuinely worried about you for years but you’ve pushed all of us away.”
“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 idolizes you though,” Trace added of Billy Ray’s youngest child. Billy Ray also shares son Christopher Cody Cyrus, 32, with ex-girlfriend Kristin Luckey and son Braison Cyrus, 30, with Tish, whom he divorced in 2022.
Trace Cyrus/Instagram; Katherine Bomboy/NBC via Getty
“We are all hanging on to memories of the man we once knew & hoping for the day he returns. You’re not healthy Dad & everyone is noticing it. Just like I showed up for you at mamaws funeral when you didn’t expect me to I’m still here right now,” Trace went on, seemingly referencing Billy Ray’s late mom, Ruth Ann Casto, who died in 2022.
Trace added, “As I write this with tears in my eyes I hope you realize this message only comes from a place of love and also fear that the world may lose you far too soon. I love you Dad.”
“We haven’t talked in a while but I’m over a year and half clean from alcohol. Guess what? I feel amazing.. I don’t know what you’re struggling with exactly but I think I have a pretty good idea & I’d love to help you if you would open up and receive the help,” he concluded. “You know how to reach me. Till that day comes I will continue to pray for you.”
-AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson
Trace’s comments come after Billy Ray spoke out following criticism of his Liberty Ball performance on Instagram, sharing the video of himself performing an a cappella rendition of his 1992 hit “Achy Breaky Heart.”
“This was the most fun part of the Liberty Ball! And if you didn’t see it… you just had to be there,” he captioned the post, which had the comments turned off.
“I just don’t think you understand,” he added, referencing the song’s lyrics.
At the inaugural event, Billy Ray experienced technical difficulties as he sang “Achy Breaky Heart” and his Lil Nas X collab “Old Town Road” and caused both confusion and concern. After performing his portion of “Old Town Road,” Billy Ray went on to repeat his lyrics in a monotone voice and asked the crowd to sing along with him as he wandered around the stage with no backing track.
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Meanwhile, during his performance of “Achy Breaky Heart,” he faced issues with his guitar and microphone, and while attempting to perform the song a cappella he removed his microphone from its stand and started speaking the lyrics rather than singing them.
“Check? Is anybody awake?” Billy Ray asked during the performance. “Y’all want me to sing more or you want me to just get the hell off the stage?” he continued, adding, “In life, when you have technical difficulties, you just gotta keep going, or as President Trump would say, ‘You gotta fight.’ ”
The country singer spoke about his performance on Jan. 21 in an exclusive statement to PEOPLE.
“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 said. “I had a ball at the Liberty Ball last night and I’ve learned through all these years when the producer says, ‘You’re on,’ you go entertain the folks even if the equipment goes to hell. I was there for the people and we had a blast. That’s called rock n roll!!!”
