Billy Ray Cyrus Announces New Album Produced by Son Braison amid Inauguration Performance Controversy: 'Gonna be Special'

Mar. 15, 2025

Braison Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus.Photo:Derrek Kupish

Derrek Kupish

Billy Ray Cyrusand sonBraisonhave spent the last year working hard in the studio together — and this summer, the fruits of their labor will hit the airwaves.

“I’ve spent this past year getting to know my dad better than I ever have,” Braison, 30, said in a statement. “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. 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 joins his son on stage at Grand Ole Opry in July 2024.Derrek Kupish

Billy Ray, meanwhile, said in a statement that he was “so proud to lean into the music” with his son, whom he shares with ex-wifeTish Cyrus(The pair are also parents to Trace, 35, and daughtersBrandi, 37,Miley, 32, andNoah, 25).

“This is art imitating life, imitating art,” the singer, 63, said. “It starts and ends with art. Braison is very talented and ‘25 is his year. I’m glad to be a part of it. This record is gonna be special. I’m gearing up for what will be the journey of a lifetime.”

In July, Billy Ray supported Braison as the younger Cyrusmade his performance debutat the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, with the two performing alongside longtime members of Billy Ray’s band.

Billy Ray Cyrus performs during the Liberty Inaugural Ball on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC.Joe Raedle/Getty

Joe Raedle/Getty

The album announcement and support from Braison comes two days after Trace shared an emotional open letter to Billy Ray that expressed concern for the star after his performance at Trump’s Liberty Ball on Jan. 20, during which he experienced technical difficulties and had to sing “Achy Breaky Heart” a cappella.

“It seems this world has beaten you down and it’s become obvious to everyone but you. You may be upset with me for posting this but I really could care less at this point,” Trace wrote, in part, on Instagram.

The former Metro Station singer also seemed to reference his sisters, writing, “Me and the girls have been genuinely worried about you for years but you’ve pushed all of us away… You’re not healthy Dad & everyone is noticing it.”

He added that while he wasn’t sure what Billy Ray was “struggling with exactly,” he wanted to help.

John Shearer/Getty

For his part, Billy Ray has maintained that he’s doing just fine, and that any issues with the Liberty Ball performance werenothing more than technical difficulties.

“I wouldn’t have missed the honor of playing this event whether my microphone, guitar and monitors worked or not. I was there because President Donald J. Trump invited me,” he told PEOPLE exclusively in a statement on Jan. 22. “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!!!”

Later that day, heposted another responseon Instagram, writing that his a cappella version of “Achy Breaky Heart” was “the most fun part” of the night.

“And if you didn’t see it… you just had to be there,” he captioned the video. “I just don’t think you understand.”

source: people.com