Trace Cyrus Pens Emotional Letter To Billy Ray Cyrus: “You’re Not Healthy Dad”

Trace Cyrus, son of country star Billy Ray Cyrus, is speaking out in a heartfelt open letter to his father amid growing concerns for the musician. On January 22, Trace took to Instagram to share his feelings, posting a throwback photo of the two performing together on stage. 

Trace’s post comes just days after Billy Ray, 63, faced backlash for his performance at President Donald Trump’s Liberty Ball. The country singer’s acappella renditions of his hits Old Town Road and Achy Breaky Heart were met with confusion due to technical difficulties and an unconventional delivery. In his Instagram caption, Billy Ray described the performance as “fun” and said, “If you didn’t see it… you just had to be there.”

But Trace’s letter painted a different picture. “Sadly, the man I wanted so desperately to be just like I barely recognize now,” wrote the former Metro Station frontman. 

He described how he and his sisters, including Miley, 32, and Noah, 25, have grown increasingly concerned for their father. “Noah desperately has wanted you to be part of her life and you haven’t even been there for her. That’s your baby girl. She deserves better,” Trace wrote.

Trace expressed his frustration with their strained relationship, recalling how he supported Billy Ray at his late mother Ruth Ann Casto’s funeral in 2022. “We are all hanging on to memories of the man we once knew & hoping for the day he returns,” Trace wrote, adding, “You’re not healthy Dad & everyone is noticing it.”

The emotional message was not just an expression of concern but also a call to action. “We haven’t talked in a while but I’m over a year and half clean from alcohol. Guess what? I feel amazing,” Trace shared. “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 has not publicly responded to Trace’s message but did address his Liberty Ball performance in a statement to PEOPLE. “I wouldn’t have missed the honor of playing this event whether my microphone, guitar and monitors worked or not,” he said. “”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!!!”