Billy Ray Cyrus’ son has written a pleading open letter to his father after the musician took part in Donald Trump’s Liberty Ball following the inauguration on Monday.
Trace Cyrus, also a musician who played in the band Metro Station, said in an Instagram post that Billy Ray is “not healthy” and “everyone is noticing it,” telling him that he’ll be there for him if he’s willing to accept help. Billy Ray gave a rocky performance at the Liberty Ball, struggling through technical difficulties and singing acapella while pacing about the stage.
“Since my earliest memories all I can remember is being obsessed with you and thinking you were the coolest person ever,” Trace wrote. Billy Ray adopted Trace in 1993 after marrying his now ex-wife Tish Cyrus. “I wanted to be just like you. The day you adopted me was the happiest day of my life. 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. You may be upset with me for posting this but I really could care less at this point.”
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Trace continues by stating that he and his sisters, Miley, Brandi and Noah Cyrus, have been concerned for a long time and that Billy Ray shut them out. “Me and the girls have been genuinely worried about you for years but you’ve pushed all of us away,” he said. “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. We are all hanging on to memories of the man we once knew & hoping for the day he returns.
“You’re not healthy Dad & everyone is noticing it,” Trace continued. “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. You know how to reach me. Till that day comes I will continue to pray for you.”
Billy Ray’s performance was met with critical online feedback, which the “Achy Breaky Heart” singer addressed on Tuesday in his own social media post. “I wouldn’t have missed the honor of playing this event whether my microphone, guitar and monitors worked or not,” he wrote. “I was there because President Donald J. Trump invited me. 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!!!”