Country music legend Billy Ray Cyrus is addressing tensions within his family following a heartfelt plea from his adopted son, Trace Cyrus. Amid concerns over his health and strained relationships, Billy Ray shared a message of hope, gratitude, and prayer, signaling his desire for healing and unity.
On January 23, Trace Cyrus, 33, took to Instagram to pen an open letter to his father. In the post, he expressed his admiration for Billy Ray while voicing concerns about the changes he’s observed over the years.
“Since my earliest memories, all I can remember is being obsessed with you and thinking you were the coolest person ever,” Trace wrote. “Sadly, the man that I wanted so desperately to be just like I barely recognize now. It seems this world has beaten you down.”
Trace also shared his fears about Billy Ray’s health and distanced relationship with his children, writing, “We are all hanging on to memories of the man we once knew and hoping for the day he returns.”
Despite the emotional nature of the post, Trace made it clear that his intention was to encourage his father to seek help, not to cause harm.
View this post on Instagram
In response, Billy Ray posted a video clip of his 2009 music video Somebody Said a Prayer to his YouTube channel on January 26. The video, which originally featured Trace, was accompanied by a heartfelt caption.
“Sunday callin,” Billy Ray wrote. “Giving thanks for the California Rain. Praying for the brokenhearted and their pain. Praying for my family. For my children … sons and daughters … and their mother. Let this moment be the start of healing for us all. ‘The past does not equal the future.’ Amen.”
The message emphasized Billy Ray’s commitment to prayer and his hope for reconciliation within his family.
Billy Ray adopted Trace and his older sister, Brandi, when he married Tish Cyrus in 1992. The couple later welcomed three children together: Miley, Braison, and Noah. Following their divorce in 2022, rumors of tension between Billy Ray and his children began to circulate, particularly after his engagement to Australian singer Firerose.
The family dynamic became even more complicated after Billy Ray performed at President Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. The performance faced technical difficulties and mixed reviews, adding further scrutiny to an already difficult time.
On January 28, Trace provided an update, revealing that Billy Ray had threatened him with legal action in response to his message. Trace called the move “a disgrace” and urged fans to send encouraging messages to his father.
“I will always love you but I no longer respect you as a man,” Trace wrote. “Get help.”
Amid the drama, Braison Cyrus offered a different perspective, sharing that he had spent the past year reconnecting with his father through music. “I’ve heard stories, jokes, and songs that I don’t think anyone else has,” Braison said. He praised Billy Ray’s passion for music and family, describing their collaboration as a “full circle endeavor.”