Trace Cyrus, the former Metro Station frontman, has opened up about his deep concerns for his father, Billy Ray Cyrus, in a vulnerable Instagram post shared earlier this week. The emotional letter comes just days after Billy Ray faced criticism for his performance at President Donald Trump’s inaugural Liberty Ball on January 20.
Trace Cyrus; Billy Ray Cyrus. Photo: Trace Cyrus/Instagram; Katherine Bomboy/NBC via Getty
In the post, Trace, 35, reflects on his lifelong admiration for Billy Ray, who adopted him in 1993 after marrying Tish Cyrus. Sharing a nostalgic throwback photo of himself and his dad on stage, Trace wrote: “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.”
While Trace didn’t directly address his father’s controversial performance, he made it clear that his message stemmed from love and concern. “It seems this world has beaten you down, and it’s become obvious to everyone but you,” he wrote. “Me and the girls have been genuinely worried about you for years, but you’ve pushed all of us away.”
Trace also highlighted how the family, including his sisters Brandi, Miley, and Noah Cyrus, have struggled to reconnect with their dad. He specifically mentioned Noah, 25, writing: “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.”
Billy Ray Cyrus performing at the Liberty Ball during President Donald Trumps' inaugural festivities. Photo: AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson.
The emotional post went on to describe how the family is “hanging on to memories of the man we once knew and hoping for the day he returns.” Trace, who shared that he’s been sober for over a year and a half, encouraged his father to open up and seek help. “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,” he wrote, urging Billy Ray to reach out to him.
Trace’s post followed a wave of criticism directed at Billy Ray for his performance at the Liberty Ball, part of Trump’s inauguration festivities. The country singer faced technical difficulties during his set, which included an a cappella rendition of his 1992 hit “Achy Breaky Heart” and his Lil Nas X collaboration “Old Town Road.”
Video footage from the event showed Billy Ray grappling with microphone and guitar issues. At one point, he addressed the crowd, asking, “Y’all want me to sing more, or you want me to just get the hell off the stage?” He added, “In life, when you have technical difficulties, you just gotta keep going, or as President Trump would say, ‘You gotta fight.’”
In response to the backlash, Billy Ray took to Instagram, sharing a clip of his performance and captioning it: “This was the most fun part of the Liberty Ball! And if you didn’t see it… you just had to be there.” Comments on the post were turned off.
Billy Ray also spoke exclusively to PEOPLE, explaining his perspective on the event. “I wouldn’t have missed the honor of playing this event whether my microphone, guitar, and monitors worked or not,” he said. “I was there because President Donald J. Trump invited me. 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. That’s called rock ‘n’ roll!”
While Billy Ray seems to be taking the performance mishaps in stride, Trace’s heartfelt message serves as a powerful reminder of the personal struggles and family dynamics that can unfold behind the scenes of public life. For now, Trace’s plea for his father’s well-being echoes a sentiment many can relate to: a child’s unwavering love and hope for the parent they look up to.
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