Billy Ray Cyrus' surprise announcement after son pleads for him to get help
Billy Ray Cyrus and son Braison made a surprise announcement amid familial concerns over the country singer's well-being.
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Billy Ray Cyrus and his son Braison made an unexpected announcement amid familial concerns over his well-being following the singer's viral inauguration performance.
On Friday, January 24, the country singer released a statement with Braison, 30, revealing the two plan to release a yet-to-be titled album this summer. Braison will produce and co-write songs for the record — his dad's first since 2019.
"I've spent this past year getting to know my dad better than I ever have," Braison said in the statement of the pair's joint project. "I've heard stories, jokes and songs that I don't think anyone else has. It's an opportunity to tell my dad's story through music and I'm fortunate to be able to take it."
He added, "Music, stories and family are the most important things to my dad so to bring the two together is a full circle endeavor."
Billy Ray Cyrus attended the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards in Los Angeles, California, on January 26, 2020. The country singer made headlines after an issue-plagued performance for Donald Trump’s inauguration. Billy Ray Cyrus attended the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards in Los Angeles, California, on January 26, 2020. The country singer made headlines after an issue-plagued performance for Donald Trump’s inauguration. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Billy Ray, 63, noted the album is "art imitating life, imitating art" and "starts and ends with art."
"This record is gonna be special," he assured. "I'm gearing up for what will be the journey of a lifetime."
While Billy Ray is readying for the father-son venture, the entertainer's eldest son Trace publicly expressed worry that his famous father may be struggling.
On Wednesday, January 22, Trace, 35, posted a lengthy open letter on Instagram addressing his father's issue-plagued performance at Trump's Liberty Ball two days earlier.
Billy Ray's set was marred by what he later said were technical difficulties that left him singing his 1992 hit "Achy Breaky Heart" a cappella while wandering the stage.
"Since my earliest memories all I can remember is being obsessed with you and thinking you were the coolest person ever. I wanted to be just like you. The day you adopted me was the happiest day of my life," Trace wrote on Instagram. "Sadly the man that I wanted so desperately to be just like I barely recognize now. It seems this world has beaten you down and it's become obvious to everyone but you."
Trace acknowledged his father "may be upset" at him for posting the plea online, but he brushed off the concern and wrote he and "the girls" — seemingly a reference to Billy Ray's three daughters with ex-wife Tish: Brandi, 37, Miley, 31, and Noah, 25 — were "genuinely worried" about the "Could've Been Me" entertainer.
Metro Station guitarist-bassist Trace also wrote about how Noah has "desperately" wanted him to be a part of her life.
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"We are all hanging on to memories of the man we once knew & hoping for the day he returns," Trace continued. "You're not healthy Dad & everyone is noticing it. Just like I showed up for you at mamaws funeral when you didn't expect me to I'm still here right now. 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. I love you Dad."
Trace, who revealed he was over a year and a half "clean from alcohol" and now feels "amazing," concluded the post: "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."
In addition to his four children with Tish, Billy Ray is also the father of son Christopher Cody, 32, whom he shares with Kristin Luckey.