Billy Ray Cyrus' son Trace emotionally pleads to 'struggling' father to open up: 'I’d love to help'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Trace Cyrus, son of country music legend Billy Ray Cyrus, asked his father to address personal struggles in a heartfelt plea.
The 35-year-old, adopted by Billy Ray in 1993 after marrying Tish Cyrus, expressed concern for his father's well-being following a disastrous performance at Donald Trump’s inauguration event.
Trace Cyrus says he 'barely' recognizes his father Billy Ray Cyrus
The emotional post comes amid family tension, with Trace Cyrus sharing deep worries about his father’s health and his estranged relationship with his children, particularly his youngest daughter, Noah Cyrus.
"Since my earliest memories, all I can remember is being obsessed with you and thinking you were the coolest person ever," wrote Trace Cyrus, addressing Billy Ray in the post alongside a throwback photo of the two on stage.
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"The day you adopted me was the happiest day of my life," he wrote.
Revealing how his admiration for his father has been replaced by sadness, Trace continued, "Sadly, the man that I wanted so desperately to be just like I barely recognize now.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."
He admitted he wasn’t worried about repercussions for posting publicly. "You may be upset with me for posting this, but I really could care less at this point," he said.
"Me and the girls have been genuinely worried about you for years, but you’ve pushed all of us away," Trace Cyrus wrote further referring to sisters Noah, 25, Miley, 32, and Brandi, 37.
Trace Cyrus tells Billy Ray Cyrus his daughter Noah Cyrus 'desperately' needs him
Trace Cyrus went on to express concern for Noah Cyrus, his youngest sibling, noting her continued admiration for their father despite his absence.
"Noah Cyrus desperately has wanted you to be a part of her life, and you haven’t even been there for her," Trace wrote.
"That’s your baby girl. She deserves better. Somehow, just like me, she still idolizes you though," Trace added in the emotional post.
He added that the family has been clinging to memories of the man Billy Ray once was. "We are all hanging on to memories of the man we once knew & hoping for the day he returns," he shared.
Trace Cyrus asks Billy Ray Cyrus to 'open up and receive the help'
In a touching plea, Trace Cyrus urged his father to seek help. "You’re not healthy, Dad, and everyone is noticing it," Trace appealed.
"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 added.
Reflecting on his own struggles, Trace shared his sobriety journey in the post.
"I’m over a year and a half clean from alcohol. Guess what? I feel amazing," he revealed.
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"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," Trace concluded.
The emotional message followed Billy Ray's viral performance at Trump’s Liberty Ball where technical issues and his response drew criticism.
“Is my guitar still on? I think they cut me off. I don’t hear my guitar anymore,” Billy Ray said during the performance. Growing frustrated, he added, “Y’all want me to sing more, or you just want me to get the h*** off the stage? I don’t give a d***.”
