Billy Ray Cyrus Breaks Silence After Son Trace's Concerned Letter, Calls for 'Healing': 'Praying for My Family'

Mar. 15, 2025

Billy Ray Cyrushas broken his silence amid an apparent family rift.

Just days afterTrace Cyrus shared an open letterto “Achy Breaky Heart” hitmaker, 63, that expressed concern for the singer’s health and claimed he and his sisters had been “genuinely worried” for years, Billy Ray is speaking out.

On Sunday, Jan. 26, the country star shared a clip of themusic video on YouTubefor his 2009 track “Somebody Said a Prayer,” which featured his son, 35, whom he adopted in 1993 after marrying his now ex-wifeTish Cyrus.

“Sunday callin,” Billy Ray captioned the footage. “Giving thanks for the California Rain . Praying for the brokenhearted and their pain. Praying for my family. For my children … sons and daughters…and their mother. Let this moment be the start of healing ❤️‍🩹 for us all. ‘The past does not equal the future.’ Amen 🙏🏼”

Billy Ray and ex Tish — whodivorcedin 2022 — are parents toBrandi, 37, Trace, Miley, Braison, 30, andNoah, 25; Billy Ray is also dad to son Christopher from a previous relationship.

On Wednesday, Jan. 22, Trace penned an emotional open letter to the musician onInstagram, writing that he was worried that “the world may lose you far too soon.”

“We are all hanging on to memories of the man we once knew & hoping for the day he returns. 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,” he wrote, seemingly referencing Billy Ray’s late mom, Ruth Ann Casto, who died in 2022.

Billy Ray Cyrus in November 2017; Trace Cyrus in February 2020.Noam Galai/WireImage; David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty

Noam Galai/WireImage; David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty

Trace added, “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.”

“We haven’t talked in a while but I’m over a year and half clean from alcohol. Guess what? I feel amazing.. 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,” he concluded. “You know how to reach me. Till that day comes I will continue to pray for you.”

Billy Ray Cyrus performs during the Liberty Inaugural Ball where President Donald Trump is expected later in the evening on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC.Joe Raedle/Getty

Joe Raedle/Getty

Over the weekend, asource told PEOPLEexclusively thatMileywanted no conflict with loved ones as Trace voiced concerns for their father following hisperformanceduring PresidentDonald Trump’s inaugural festivities earlier that week.

The source added that Miley is “in a great place now.”

“She’s thriving and looking out for herself,” the source added of the pop star, who is currentlynominated for an awardat the upcoming2025 Grammysfor her work onBeyoncé’sCowboy Carteralbum.

Billy Ray Cyrus , Miley Cyrus and Tish Cyrus arrives at the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on February 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.Steve Granitz/WireImage

Steve Granitz/WireImage

In a statement, Braison also spoke positively about the Cyrus family patriarch, writing that he’d spent the last year “getting to know my dad better than I ever have.”

“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 said. “Music, stories and family are the most important things to my dad so to bring the two together is a full circle endeavor.”

Over the weekend, Braison also exclusively told PEOPLE that he has no ill will toward either his dad or siblings amid the Cyrus family’s apparent strain.

“I don’t have any bad feelings toward anyone in my family,” he said.

John Shearer/Getty

Billy Ray’s album announcement followed acontroversial performanceat President Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20, during which he experienced technical difficulties and played parts of his hit “Achy Breaky Heart” a cappella.

Though the musician said in a statement that nothing was amiss — writing that he “had a ball” even though his “equipment [went] to hell” — Trace seemingly responded with his Instagram post, in which he said he “barely recognize[d]” the man who adopted him as a child.

“It seems this world has beaten you down and it’s become obvious to everyone but you,” he wrote. “You may be upset with me for posting this but I really could care less at this point. Me and the girls have been genuinely worried about you for years but you’ve pushed all of us away.”

But over the weekend, a Cyrus family source exclusively told PEOPLE that Billy Ray’s performance was a result ofvocal issues.

“His voice has changed, and he’s been really insecure about it,” the Cyrus family source said, adding of the inauguration performance: “[He was] going out and stepping out on stage with his voice, putting himself in a vulnerable situation and showing the world that his voice has changed,”

source: people.com