Miley Cyrus’ brother, Trace, has expressed concerns about his father, Billy Ray Cyrus, following the singer’s performance at Donald Trump’s inauguration.
The country singer was one of the many stars to perform at Trump’s Liberty Inauguration Ball, which took place on Monday (January 20).
The 63-year-old took to the stage for a rendition of ‘Achy Breaky Heart’ and his and Lil Nas X’s song, ‘Old Town Road’.
However, his show didn’t go without a few issues as he couldn’t hear his guitar and ended up singing a-cappella, begging the backstage crew: “I don’t hear it? Do ya’ll hear it? Is anyone back there? Can somebody turn my guitar back on? We’re going to sing a bit more.”
The performance was largely slammed online, with many users sharing their unfiltered opinions.
One user said it was “the leading contender for ‘Cringiest Moment Of The Year,'” while another blasted that it was “an epic disaster”.
Another user wrote: “Billy Ray Cyrus’ bizarre and technical difficulty-filled performance at Donald Trump’s Inauguration is the perfect representation of how inept and sad the next 4 years will be.”
After witnessing the catastrophic show, Trace, the biological son of Billy Ray’s ex-wife Tish Cyrus-Purcell, took to Instagram to urge his father to get “help” in a heartbreaking post.
He wrote: “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.
“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,” he continued. “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,” he said, writing that Billy’s youngest daughter Noah “desperately has wanted you to be a part of her life and you haven’t even been there for her”.
The 35-year-old musician shared in the lengthy post: “Somehow just like me she still idolizes you though. 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.”
Trace stressed that, although the two had become estranged, he wanted to reach out to his father in the hope that he would recover.
“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.”
He concluded: “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.”
The ‘She’s Not Cryin’ Anymore’ singer and Tish share three biological children: Miley, Braison, and Noah. The singer also adopted Trace and Brandi from his ex-wife’s previous relationship.
Additionally, he shares a son, Christopher Cody, with Kristin Luckey. Christopher was born in 1992, the same year as Miley, and was raised by his mother in South Carolina.
Billy Ray responded to fan concerns about the inauguration, explaining to People: “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.
“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!!!” he added.
