This week’s Liberty Inaugural Ball marked a rare sighting of country musician Billy Ray Cyrus, a figure many haven’t seen much of in years. While Cyrus has clung to fleeting relevance largely through his daughter Miley Cyrus’s career and a brief revival during the “Old Town Road” phenomenon with Lil Nas X, his own musical pursuits have been largely dormant. He hasn’t released a new album in six years, and his official website’s tour schedule is barren.
For those who tuned in, his performance at the ball likely came as a surprise—though not in a good way. Alone on stage, Cyrus mostly mumbled along to the “Old Town Road” music video playing behind him, strumming a guitar with little conviction. Things went downhill further when technical difficulties led him to attempt an a cappella rendition of his hit “Achy Breaky Heart,” which somehow managed to be even worse. (While he referenced Carrie Underwood’s similar struggles, it’s safe to say 2025 Billy Ray Cyrus is no Carrie Underwood.) The performance veered from "pretty bad" to "genuinely concerning," raising questions about his well-being.
Those concerns seem to be shared by Cyrus’s son, musician Trace Cyrus, who posted an emotional open letter to his father on Instagram Thursday. Trace expressed worry for his father’s health, writing, “You’re not healthy, Dad, and everyone is noticing it.” Acknowledging their estranged relationship, Trace shared, “As I write this with tears in my eyes, I hope you realize this message only comes from a place of love and fear that the world may lose you far too soon.” He also mentioned his sisters, adding, “Me and the girls have been genuinely worried about you for years, but you’ve pushed all of us away.”
The public nature of the letter highlights the family’s fractured dynamic and the lack of private communication with Billy Ray. Unfortunately, in the era of 2025, such personal matters often unfold on social media. While it may not be the most troubling headline in a week filled with heavy news, this family drama still stands out as a poignant reminder of the struggles some face behind the spotlight.
0 Comments