Only days after his performance at Donald Trump‘s inauguration, Billy Ray Cyrus‘ son Trace Cyrus published an open letter on Instagram asserting that his father is someone “I barely recognize now.”
“Since my earliest memories all I can remember is being obsessed with you and thinking you were the coolest person ever,” Trace wrote on Instagram last night alongside a photo of himself and Billy Ray. “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 added that he didn’t care if his dad was “upset” with him for the post, noting that his sisters, Miley Cyrus and Noah Cyrus, share his concern.
“Me and the girls have been genuinely worried about you for years but you’ve pushed all of us away,” wrote Trace, who is also a musician. “Noah desperately has wanted you to be a part of her life and you haven’t even been there for her. That’s your baby girl. She deserves better. 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.”
He 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.”
Trace also recounted how he is now “over a year and half clean from alcohol,” adding that he feels “amazing.” He added, “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.”
Although Trace references Miley and Noah in the post, neither sister has commented or shared anything similar. The letter comes shortly after Billy Ray was forced to defend his decision to perform at the Liberty Inaugural Ball on Monday.
“I wouldn’t have missed the honor of playing this event whether my microphone, guitar and monitors worked or not,” the musician wrote in an Instagram post Tuesday. “I was there because President Donald J. Trump invited me.” He added, “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!!!”
Since his performance, online users slammed the country artist, calling the show a “train wreck” and an “epic disaster.” With a muted microphone and guitar, a hoarse Cyrus attempted to sing both his verse and Lil Nas X‘s verse on “Old Town Road” before he began to roam the stage and snap his fingers to an a cappella rendition of his ’90s hit, “Achy Breaky Heart.”
