Billy Ray Cyrus' son shares emotional letter of concern to singer following controversial inauguration performance
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.
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Unfortunately for the musician, however, midway through his set, he endured technical difficulties which saw his microphone and guitar fail to amplify any sound.
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."
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."
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'.
"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."
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."
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.
Topics: Music, Celebrity, US News, Politics, Donald Trump
Rhianna Benson