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The relationship between country music icon Billy Ray Cyrus and his son Trace Cyrus has taken a dramatic and public turn, as Trace continues to express concern over his father’s well-being.
Trace, who is also a musician, has made multiple social media posts about their strained relationship, the latest of which includes a shocking claim that Billy Ray has threatened him with legal action.
Keep reading for more details!

Trace Cyrus, known for his work with the band Metro Station, has been vocal about his worries for his father’s health and well-being. In a recent social media post, he stated that Billy Ray Cyrus should seek help, alleging that his father is not in a good place mentally or physically.
He also expressed his disappointment in how their relationship has deteriorated. One of the most striking aspects of Trace’s message was his claim that Billy Ray Cyrus has considered taking legal action against him simply for urging him to get help.
“For you to threaten me with legal action for wanting you to get help is a disgrace,” Trace wrote. “Pappy is looking down at you with such disappointment, I can assure you. You should be ashamed of yourself.”
The statement suggests a deep rift between father and son, hinting at unresolved tensions within their family dynamics. Trace’s reference to “Pappy” likely points to a family elder, possibly Billy Ray’s late father, Ron Cyrus, adding a layer of emotional weight to his plea.
The tensions between Billy Ray and Trace Cyrus appear to have escalated after Billy Ray’s much-criticized performance at Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration. The singer took the stage at the Inauguration Liberty Ball on January 20, delivering a performance that was widely scrutinized.
Fans on social media noted technical difficulties, vocal missteps, and what some perceived as erratic behavior, leading to speculation about his condition.
Trace initially responded to the performance with a heartfelt plea, urging his father to recognize that he is “not healthy” and that “everyone is noticing it.”
In his first post, Trace referenced his own past struggles with substance abuse, making it clear that his concerns come from a place of love and experience. “You’re not healthy, Dad, and everyone is noticing it,” he wrote.
“I’ve battled my own demons, and I know what it looks like when someone needs help. I will be there for you whenever you’re ready to make real changes.”
Rather than responding with openness to his son’s concerns, Billy Ray Cyrus allegedly reacted defensively, prompting Trace to post another message about the situation. Trace claimed that despite his intentions being “beyond loving,” his father was deeply upset with him for speaking out.
“I could have been extremely honest about a lot more, but I don’t want to put your business out there like that,” Trace added. “Everyone close to you is terrified to tell you how they really feel. I’m not. Get help.”
These words paint a troubling picture of Billy Ray’s current state and suggest that those in his inner circle may also share concerns but are hesitant to voice them. However, Trace refuses to stay silent, reinforcing his belief that honesty is necessary for his father’s well-being.
Perhaps the most heartbreaking part of Trace’s post was his declaration that he will always love Billy Ray Cyrus but no longer respects him as a man. This statement signifies that their father-son bond may have suffered irreparable damage, making reconciliation seem unlikely in the near future.
The drama between Billy Ray and Trace has been compounded by the backlash surrounding Billy Ray’s Inauguration Liberty Ball performance. Throughout his twelve-and-a-half-minute set, the country star faced a series of technical mishaps, vocal inconsistencies, and what many fans described as a strange stage presence.
Social media erupted with criticism, with some spectators even suggesting that Cyrus may have been inebriated during the performance. These speculations, whether founded or not, only added to the concerns expressed by his son.
Despite the public response, Billy Ray defended his performance, stating that he did his best under the circumstances. In a follow-up statement, he attributed the mishaps to technical failures, claiming that his equipment “went to hell” during the set.
However, many fans and critics weren’t entirely convinced by his explanation. Some noted that while technical issues can certainly impact a live performance, the overall energy and execution of his set raised additional concerns.
This is not the first time that Billy Ray Cyrus has faced public scrutiny over family matters. His highly publicized divorce from Tish Cyrus, finalized in 2022, was fraught with drama, including reports of long-standing marital issues.
Since then, Billy Ray has moved on and remarried singer Firerose, a much younger Australian musician. Trace, along with other members of the Cyrus family, has shown signs of estrangement from Billy Ray since his new marriage.
The family’s internal struggles have played out subtly in social media interactions—or the lack thereof—hinting at unresolved tensions. While Trace has taken the bold step of calling out his father publicly, his siblings, including pop superstar Miley Cyrus,
have remained relatively silent on the issue. Whether this silence indicates indifference, support, or a desire to handle matters privately is unclear.
The situation between Billy Ray and Trace remains tense, with no indication of an imminent resolution. If Billy Ray is indeed considering legal action against his son, it could further widen the gap between them, making reconciliation even more difficult.
Fans of the Cyrus family are watching closely, with many hoping that the father and son can mend their relationship. Some believe that Trace’s public pleas for help stem from genuine concern, while others argue that family matters should be handled privately.
Either way, the attention on Billy Ray’s well-being is unlikely to fade anytime soon. Whether this conflict will lead to positive change or push the two further apart remains to be seen.
One thing is certain—this family drama is playing out on a very public stage, and all eyes are on Billy Ray Cyrus’ next move.
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 20, 2025 | Billy Ray Cyrus’ Performance | Faces criticism for an off-key, technical issue-ridden set at the Inauguration Liberty Ball. |
| Jan 21, 2025 | Trace Cyrus’ First Post | Expresses concerns over his father’s health, urges him to seek help. |
| Jan 25, 2025 | Billy Ray Reacts | Reportedly upset over Trace’s public plea, refuses to acknowledge concerns. |
| Jan 28, 2025 | Trace’s Second Post | Claims Billy Ray threatened legal action against him, insists he only wants to help. |
| Ongoing | Public Reaction | Fans remain divided—some support Trace, others criticize him for airing family matters publicly. |
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