Billy Ray Cyrus has always been a figure of admiration and controversy, but his latest public moment has left fans more concerned than entertained. The country singer’s inauguration performance for President Donald Trump on January 20 was met with criticism, technical failures, and, unexpectedly, an open letter from his son, Trace Cyrus.
Billy Ray married Tish Cyrus in 1993 and adopted Trace and his sister Brandi. Then they went on to have three more children: Miley, Braison, and Noah before Billy Ray and Tish went their separate ways after finalizing their divorce in 2022. Trace’s recent open letter shows that despite the separation, the family still longs for connection.
Billy Ray Cyrus’ inauguration performance was a mix of ‘tech issue’s and slurred speech
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For the presidential inauguration, Billy Ray Cyrus performed hits like “Achy Breaky Heart” and “Old Town Road” at the Liberty Ball, but microphone malfunctions and a general sense of unease marred the set, and some fans called it cringy on the internet.
However, Billy Ray remained unfazed by the situation. In an interview, he expressed his excitement for the performance and how he would never have missed it despite the technical failures he experienced on stage. He added that his performance was a representation of his loyalty to his rock and roll fans.
Family reactions to Billy Ray Cyrus’ health
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Nevertheless, this inauguration performance went way deeper for the Cyrus family. Some days after the event, Billy Ray’s son, Trace, took to Instagram to pen an open letter that got their fans shocked. He expressed his deep concern for his father’s wellness.
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The 34-year-old suggested that his father had been pushing his children away for years, and his plea was not just about rekindling their relationship, it was about his father’s health. Trace Cyrus also encouraged fans to reach out and flood his father with messages of support. On January 26, Billy Ray responded with a YouTube post, a clip from his 2009 music video Somebody Said a Prayer, which features a young Trace. In the caption, he asked fans to keep praying for his family and him. The post left many wondering whether it was an olive branch or simply a reflective moment for the singer.