Trace Cyrus Writes Emotional Open Letter to His Father Billy Ray Cyrus: ‘You’re Not Healthy Dad and Everyone Is Noticing It’

Mar. 15, 2025

Trace Cyrusis voicing his concerns for his fatherBilly Ray Cyrusamid him receiving criticism forhis 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-wifeTish Cyrus— penned an emotional open letter to the musician onInstagram, 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 atTrump’sinaugurationLiberty 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 sistersBrandi Cyrus, 37 — who Billy Ray also adopted in 1993 —Miley Cyrus, 32, andNoah 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.”

Trace Cyrus; Billy Ray Cyrus.Trace Cyrus/Instagram;  Katherine Bomboy/NBC via Getty

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.”

Billy Ray Cyrus performing at the Liberty Ball during President Donald Trumps' inaugural festivities.AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

“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 hisLil Nas Xcollab “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 inan 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!!!”

source: people.com