• News
  • Life
  • TV & Film
  • Beauty
  • Style
  • Home
  • News
    • Celebrity
    • Entertainment
    • Politics
    • Royal Family
  • Life
    • Animals
    • Food & Drink
    • Women's Health
    • Mental Health
    • Sex & Relationships
    • Travel
    • Real Life
  • TV & Film
    • True Crime
    • Documentaries
    • Netflix
    • BBC
    • ITV
    • Tyla Recommends
  • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Make-up
    • Skincare
  • Style
    • Home
    • Fashion
    • Shopping
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
Submit Your Content
Billy Ray Cyrus' son shares emotional letter of concern to singer following controversial inauguration performance

Home> Entertainment> Music

Updated 11:14 23 Jan 2025 GMTPublished 10:59 23 Jan 2025 GMT

Billy Ray Cyrus' son shares emotional letter of concern to singer following controversial inauguration performance

The country star's son issued a heartfelt plea on social media

Rhianna Benson

Rhianna Benson

After being subjected to mass backlash for his 'messed up' performance at Donald Trump's inauguration concert earlier this week, Billy Ray Cyrus has also been issued a stern warning from his son.

Trace Cyrus, 35, took to Instagram yesterday to share a damning statement seemingly alluding to the headline-hitting performance, where he also accused the country singer of being 'not healthy' and needing 'help'.

'Achey Breaky Heart' singer Billy Ray, 63, took to the stage at Liberty Hall in Washington D.C. on Monday (20 Jan), after Republican leader Trump was sworn in as 47th president of the United States.

Unfortunately for the musician, however, midway through his set, he endured technical difficulties which saw his microphone and guitar fail to amplify any sound.

Advert

Despite going on to perform a cappella, it subsequently appeared to become too much for Billy Ray, who hit out at those working backstage, yelling: "Check? Is anybody awake?

"Y'all want me to sing more or you want me to just get the hell off the stage?"

Attempting to make light of the situation, the singer went on to tell the crowds: "In life, when you have technical difficulties, you just gotta keep going, or as President Trump would say, 'You gotta fight'."

The blunder didn't go unnoticed by many viewers watching the festivities from home, with one writing on X afterwards: "Watching Billy Ray Cyrus tonight was heartbreaking."

Advert

Trace issued a message to his father (Gregg DeGuire/WireImage)
Trace issued a message to his father (Gregg DeGuire/WireImage)

Following his father's performance, Billy Ray's adopted son Trace - who he shares with his ex-wife Tish - took to Instagram, where he penned a lengthy letter of concern.

"Since my earliest memories all I can remember is being obsessed with you and thinking you were the coolest person ever," the Metro Station musician began. "I wanted to be just like you. The day you adopted me was the happiest day of my life.

"Sadly the man I wanted so desperately to be just like I barely recognize now. 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."

Advert

Trace - whose sisters are fellow music-makers Miley and Noah Cyrus - went on to add: "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 went on to accuse his father of being 'not healthy', adding, 'everyone is noticing it'.

Billy Ray's musical performance was deemed controversial (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Billy Ray's musical performance was deemed controversial (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Advert

"Just like I showed up for you at mamaw's funeral when you didn't expect me to I'm still here right now," he went on. "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."

It was then that Trace discussed his battle with addiction.

"I love you Dad," he wrote. "We haven't talked in a while but I'm over a year and a 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. You know how to reach me. Till that day comes I will continue to pray for you."

Advert

Speaking on a podcast last year, Billy Ray opened up about the reason why he previously quit drinking, claiming he used booze and drugs as coping mechanisms for his personal troubles.

"I think it was an excess of alcohol. There was probably some…I hate to even say it…It was a pretty rough time," he told presenter Bobby Bones.

"Excessive alcohol. I’ll just leave it at that."

Trace shared a throwback photo with his father (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Trace shared a throwback photo with his father (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Later, asked if he'd partied too hard, he claimed it was part of the job back then.

"I always had a rule. I said I’d go play the first set completely straight… In between the break I might take a little puff," Billy Ray confessed.

"That’s probably the best set of the night. By the third set I’d have a puff possibly, unfortunately maybe a snort."

He added that untimely death of fellow country star Keith Whitley in 1989 changed his mindset on drugs and drinking.

Featured Image Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Topics: Music, Celebrity, US News, Politics, Donald Trump

Rhianna Benson
Rhianna Benson

Rhianna is an Entertainment Journalist at LADbible Group, working across LADbible, UNILAD and Tyla. She has a Masters in News Journalism from the University of Salford and a Masters in Ancient History from the University of Edinburgh. She previously worked as a Celebrity Reporter for OK! and New Magazines, and as a TV Writer for Reach PLC.

X

@rhiannaBjourno

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

a day ago
  • a day ago

    Justin Bieber addresses 'marriage struggles' with Hailey in new suprise album

    Swag is the new 21-track LP from Canadian singer Justin Bieber, which was released today (July 11)

    Entertainment
  • a day ago

    Justin Bieber shares message 'aimed' at wife Hailey after she posts brutal comment about singer's surprise album'

    It comes after the hitmaker shocked everyone by dropping his seventh studio album overnight

    Entertainment
  • a day ago

    Justin Bieber fans spot 'wild' reference as wife Hailey posts brutal message about singer's surprise album

    Hailey Bieber previously baffled fans with her promotion of his album

    Entertainment
  • a day ago

    Hailey Bieber posts brutal message about Justin Bieber’s surprise album leaving fans confused

    Justin Bieber surprised fans by releasing his seventh studio album today

    Entertainment
  • Billy Ray Cyrus speaks out after inauguration performance sparked concern
  • Billy Ray Cyrus 'threatens son with legal action' following controversial inauguration performance
  • Billy Ray Cyrus breaks silence over brutally public feud with his son following inauguration performance
  • Carrie Underwood forced to make major change to Trump’s inauguration performance after technical difficulties