Billy Ray Cyrus' ex-wife Firerose reflects on their rocky relationship after son Trace's emotional plea

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Billy Ray Cyrus’s ex-wife Firerose has spoken out about their marriage after his son Trace Cyrus shared an emotional open letter to the country singer.

The Australian singer-songwriter Firerose, whose real name is Johanna Rosie Hodges, commented on her ex-husband's performance at President Donald Trump's Inaugural Ball on Monday, January 20.

Firerose says her private experiences with Billy Ray Cyrus are now public 

Firerose said that their family is genuinely worried about Billy Ray Cyrus after his performance at Donald Trump's inaugural ball. During the performance, Cyrus' mic was reportedly turned off and he wondered why his music had been cut off.

The performance was labeled an "epic disaster" and "train wreck." However, Cyrus dismissed it as an excuse for faulty equipment.

The viral incident prompted Trace Cyrus to send a message to his father on Instagram, revealing that his entire family was “worried” about the 'Achy Breaky Heart' singer.

“What’s being seen in public now reflects much of what I experienced in private during our relationship,” Firerose told Page Six.

"It’s very sad to see those same struggles continue for him, but I’m glad the truth is coming to light — for his potential good because healing is only possible when you confront the truth and accept there’s a problem," she said.

Billy Ray Cyrus and Firerose's messy divorce

Billy Ray Cyrus and Firerose were married for eight months before the 'Words by Heart' singer filed for divorce in May 2024.

The couple subsequently had a messy split, with Billy Ray even seeking a temporary restraining order against Firerose.

In the court documents filed in June, Billy Ray also alleged that Firerose tried to alienate him from his family members, including at least one of his daughters according to the Independent.

Billy Ray Cyrus and and his ex-wife Tish Cyrus have two daughters, singers Miley, 32, and Noah, 24; and one son, Braison, 30.

Billy Ray adopted Tish’s two children, Brandi, 37, and Trace, 35, from her previous marriage to Baxter Neal Helson. The country singer also shares a 32-year-old son, Christopher, with ex-girlfriend Kristin Luckey.

Firerose and Billy Ray Cyrus first crossed paths in 2010

Firerose first crossed paths with Billy Ray Cyrus at the age of 22 in 2010 at Hannah Montana's film set. Cyrus was married to longtime wife Tish at the time.

Firerose in an October 2024 interview with Stellar magazine said they would hang out, with Cyrus calling her his soulmate, though she was “by no means interested” in a romance with the star at the time.

"But," she noted, adding "I couldn’t have seen 10 years into the future."

The pair reunited during the pandemic, collaborating on a song before developing a romance that would turn into a four-year relationship and seven-month marriage that both parties have claimed was marked by abuse.

“When I think about what I just went through, I would have told my 22-year-old self to run in the opposite direction and never look back,” Firerose said, according to People. 

Billy Ray Cyrus and Firerose’s divorce was finalized in August 2024, with court documents showing that neither party would pay spousal support and much of the division of assets was based on ownership before the two married.

Billy Ray Cyrus’s son Trace Cyrus wants him to speak out and seek help

Firerose's recent statement came after Trace Cyrus, in a lengthy Instagram post, made an emotional plea to his father to come out and seek help. 

The 35-year-old wrote a lengthy Instagram post saying he "barely" recognizes him now.

"It seems this world has beaten you down and it's become obvious to everyone but you," he wrote.

"You're not healthy Dad everyone is noticing it," he wrote in part revealing how his siblings need him as he had pushed them back. 

Trace, who had tears in his eyes while penning down the letter, revealed he has been "clean from alcohol" for over 18 months.

He further wrote, "... I don't know what you're struggling with exactly but I think I have a pretty good idea and I'd love to help you if you would open up and receive the help."

He concluded the long post by urging him to reach out, "You know how to reach me. Till that day comes I will continue to pray for you."