Billy Ray Cyrus’ son makes public plea following chaotic performance at Donald Trump’s inauguration
Trace Cyrus, the son of American country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, has declared that he and his sisters are concerned about their relationship with their father just days after he performed at President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
In an open letter published on Instagram, the musician said that his father is someone “I barely recognise now,” and declared that he wouldn’t care if the post upset him if he saw it.
The letter, which was posted alongside a photograph of Trace and his father, read: “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.”
In his plea, he continued by saying that “it seems this world has beaten you down and it’s become obvious to everyone but you,” adding that “me and the girls have been genuinely worried about you for years but you’ve pushed all of us away.”
Trace added: “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. 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.”
While mentioning his two sisters, Miley and Noah, by name in the post, the former Metro Station singer spoke on their behalf, saying that they shared his concerns for their father’s well-being. Neither sister has commented directly on Billy Ray Cyrus’ appearance at the Liberty Inaugural Ball.
Billy Ray Cyrus recently defended his decision to perform at the ceremony, stating that he was invited personally by President Trump himself, and that he “wouldn’t have missed the honour of playing this event.”
The performance itself was subject to criticism for having been plagued by technical difficulties, with Cyrus struggling to make his way through renditions of ‘Old Town Road’, the Lil Nas X song he contributed a verse to the remix of, and his 1992 hit ‘Achy Breaky Heart’.
Alongside Cyrus, former American Idol singer Carrie Underwood performed at the inauguration, as did opera singer Christopher Macchio, and country acts Jason Aldean and Rascal Flatts. Having begun on Monday, the inauguration events are scheduled to last for four days.
Following the calamitous performance, Cyrus spoke to People and addressed the technical difficulties that plagued his set: “I wouldn’t have missed the honour of playing this event whether my microphone, guitar and monitors worked or not.”
He added: “I had a ball at the Liberty Ball last night,” Cyrus noted, before joking about rolling with the punches. “In life, when you have technical difficulties, you just gotta keep going… or as President Trump would say, ‘You gotta fight.'”
Last year, after less than a year of marriage to Australian singer Firerrose, Cyrus was successfully granted a divorce. In a statement, Cyrus said to the AP following the end of his seven-month marriage, “I’m just very relieved… and giving thanks today to breathe a sigh of relief. It’s unfortunate… it played out this way. It was a matter of the heart. Love is blind … that’s for sure. B.R.C.”.
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