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Billy Ray Cyrus is allegedly “taking legal action” against son Trace Cyrus, according to social media claims posted by Trace on Saturday (Jan. 25).
Trace, the elder brother of Miley Cyrus and Noah Cyrus, posted an Instagram message concerning the Cyrus family on Jan. 22, expressing worry over his father’s well-being. Trace published an Instagram letter again on Jan. 25, saying Billy Ray had threatened him with legal action following the public plea he’d shared for his dad to “get help.”
Billboard reached out to a representative for Billy Ray Cyrus for comment on Saturday.
“Dad my message was beyond loving,” Trace wrote in Saturday’s note to Billy Ray, referencing the public message to his father from a few days ago. “I could have been extremely honest about a lot more but I don’t want to put your business out there like that. But for you to threaten me with legal action for wanting you to get help is a disgrace. Pappy is looking down at you with such disappointment I can assure you. You should be ashamed of yourself. I will always love you but I no longer respect you as a man. Everyone close to you is terrified to tell you how they really feel. I’m not. Get help.”
In an Instagram Story also posted on Saturday, Trace added, “For all of you wondering no I still haven’t heard from my dad. He did contact a family member to let me know he’s taking legal action against me for encouraging him to get help. Dad I live 30 miles away from you. You could’ve just come & talked to me like a man.”
At press time, Billy Ray has not publicly responded to Trace’s statements.
Trace’s initial message to Billy Ray on Wednesday — which had him stating, “You’re not healthy, Dad and everyone is noticing it,” and “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” — came after Billy Ray’s shaky performance at Donald Trump’s inauguration Liberty Ball on Jan. 20, an appearance that was marred by technical difficulties and eventually had him singing “Achy Breaky Heart” a capella to the crowd.
In that note, Trace told his father he was coming from the place of being “over a year and a half clean from alcohol,” and said, “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.”
The country star did comment on his Liberty Ball performance, writing on Instagram, “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. 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!!!”
On Friday, Billy Ray announced an upcoming album, produced by his younger son, Braison. It’s expected to arrive some time this summer.
“This is art imitating life, imitating art,” Billy Ray said of the record. “It starts and ends with art. Braison is very talented and ‘25 is his year. I’m glad to be a part of it. This record is gonna be special. I’m gearing up for what will be the journey of a lifetime.”
Billy Ray and ex-wife Tish are parents to Brandi, now 37, and Trace, 35, both of whom Billy Ray adopted after he’d married Tish. Together, they also share Miley, 31; Braison, 30, and Noah, 25. He’s also the parent of 32-year-old son Christopher, his child with ex-girlfriend Kristin Luckey.
After Billy Ray and Tish went through their divorce in 2022, Billy Ray had a short marriage with now-ex Firerose (Johanna Hodges); they married in 2023 and settled a divorce by 2024.
“What’s being seen in public now reflects much of what I experienced in private during our relationship,” Firerose claimed in a statement to People, following Billy Ray’s performance at the inauguration event and Trace’s message to him. “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.”
