Billy Ray Cyrus’ son has written a pleading open letter to his father after the musician attended Donald Trump’s post-inauguration Liberty Ball on Monday.
Track Cyrusalso a musician who played in the band Metro Station, said in an Instagram post that Billy Ray is “not healthy” and “everyone can tell,” and told him he’ll be there for him if he’s willing to accept Help. Billy Ray gave a rocky performance at the Liberty Ball, battling through technical difficulties and singing acapella while walking around the stage.
“Since my earliest memories, all I can remember is being obsessed with you and thinking you were the coolest person ever,” Trace wrote. Billy Ray adopted Trace in 1993 after marrying his now ex-wife Tish Cyrus. “I wanted to be just like you. The day you adopted me was the happiest day of my life. Unfortunately, the man I so desperately wanted to be just like you I barely recognize now. It seems this world has beaten you down and it has become obvious to everyone but you. You might be upset with me for posting this, but I really could care less at this point.”
Trace goes on to state that he and his sisters, Miley, Brandi and Noah Cyrus, have been troubled for a long time and that Billy Ray shut them out. “Me and the girls have been genuinely worried about you for years but you’ve pushed us all away,” he said. “Noah has desperately wanted you to be a part of her life and you haven’t even been there for her. That’s your little girl. She deserves better. Somehow, like me, she still idolizes you. We all hang on memories of the man we once knew and hope for the day he returns.
“You’re not healthy dad and everyone can tell,” Trace continued. “Just like I showed up for you at mamaw’s funeral when you didn’t expect me to be me still here right now. As I write this with tears in my eyes I hope you realize that this message only comes from a place of love and also fear that the world might lose you too soon. We haven’t talked in a while. Guess what? I don’t know what you struggle with exactly but i think I have a pretty good idea & I’d love to help you open up & accept the help. Until that day comes I’ll keep praying for you.”
Billy Ray’s performance was met with critical feedback online, which the “Achy Breaky Heart” singer addressed Tuesday in his own social media post. “I would not have missed the honor of playing this event whether my microphone, guitar and monitors worked or not,” he wrote. “I was there because President Donald J. Trump invited me. I had a prom at the Liberty Ball last night and I’ve learned through all these years when the producer says “you’re on”, that you have to entertain the people even if the equipment goes to hell. I was there for the people and we had a whisper. It’s called rock n roll!!!”
