Trace Cyrus Pens Emotional Open Letter To Billy Ray Cyrus: ‘We Are All Hanging On To Memories Of The Man We Once Knew’

Trace Cyrus penned a heartbreaking open letter to his dad, Billy Ray Cyrus, following his performance at the Liberty Ball as part of President Donald Trump’s inauguration festivities earlier this week. 

Trace is Billy Ray’s adopted son, whose mother is Billy Ray’s ex-wife Tish. In his message, Trace recalled growing up idolizing Billy Ray and how his perception of him has changed in recent years. 

“Since my earliest memories all I can remember is being obsessed with you and thinking you were the coolest person ever. I wanted to be just like you. The day you adopted me was the happiest day of my life,” he shared. “Sadly the man that 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.”

Trace, who is best known for his time in the band Metro Station, admitted that he knew Billy Ray might be “upset” with him for posting the unfiltered message on social media, however, he said he “could care less at this point.”

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A post shared by Trace Cyrus (@tracecyrus)

He also mentioned his sisters—Brandi Cyrus, Miley Cyrus, and Noah Cyrus—and talked about their concerns for him. (Billy Ray also has a 32-year-old son, Christopher Cody Cyrus, from his previous relationship with Kristin Luckey, and a 30-year-old son, Braison Cyrus, with Tish, whom he divorced in 2022.) 

“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,” Trace urged. “Somehow just like me she still idolizes you though. We are all hanging on to memories of the man we once knew & hoping for the day he returns.” 

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A post shared by Trace Cyrus (@tracecyrus)

As he continued, Trace expressed his hope that his dad would take his message to heart and seek the help he needs.

“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. 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. “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. You know how to reach me. Till that day comes I will continue to pray for you.” 

The open letter was shared alongside a throwback photo of Trace and Billy Ray onstage together. The comments were turned off. 

Trace’s letter to his father comes just days after he had heads scratching with a bizarre performance at the Liberty Ball. According to Billy Ray, he experienced technical difficulties, which led him to perform without a guitar or music. 

“Check? Is anybody awake?” Cyrus asked from the stage. 

“Y’all want me to sing more or you want me to just get the hell off the stage?” he later joked. 

Admitting, “they told me to kill as much time as possible,” Cyrus then performed his seminal hit, “Achy Breaky Heart.” After struggling with getting his guitar to be heard. 

“After what Carrie Underwood did today…wasn’t Carrie Underwood fabulous? Carrie Underwood, you were amazing today,” he said. “They had technical difficulties today too and in life when you have technical difficulties, you just gotta keep going. Or as President Trump would say, ‘You gotta fight!”

According to the singer, he chose to have a show goes on mindset, and kept with it despite the issues with the sound.   

“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 wrote on Instagram. “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!!!” 

He later told his followers, “This was the most fun part of the Liberty Ball! And if you didn’t see it… you just had to be there. ‘I just don’t think you understand..’”