Billy Ray Cyrus’ achy breaky heart is on the mend.
After the country singer’s performance at Donald Trump’s inaugural ball went sideways, he announced the release of a new album produced by his son Braison.
“This is art imitating life, imitating art,” Billy Ray, 63, said in a statement to People on Friday. “It starts and ends with art. Braison is very talented and [2025] 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.”
The “Hannah Montana” alum shares Braison, 30, with ex-wife Tish Cyrus. The pair, who split in 2022, are also parents to daughters Miley Cyrus and Noah Cyrus.
Billy Ray previously adopted Tish’s two children from her first marriage, Brandi Cyrus and Trace Cyrus, after their wedding in 1993. He is also dad to Christopher Cody Cyrus with ex Kristen Luckey.
“I’ve spent this past year getting to know my dad better than I ever have,” Braison said in his own statement on Friday. “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 added, “Music, stories and family are the most important things to my dad so to bring the two together is a full circle endeavor.”
On Monday, Billy Ray suffered technical difficulties while performing at the Liberty Ball. He complained his instrument wasn’t working when he tried to start the show and was heard saying to the crew: “Is my guitar still on? I think they cut me off. I don’t hear my guitar anymore.”
The actor then sang an a cappella version of “Achy Breaky Heart,” but when the performance ended, he wandered around the stage before being escorted away.
Billy Ray addressed the worrisome moment via Instagram the next day, chalking it up to showbiz.
“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 captioned the pics of him on stage. “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!!!”
But, shortly after, Trace wrote an open letter to Billy Ray on Instagram, revealing he was concerned for his dad.
The 35-year-old wrote in part that “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.”
Alluding to his mom and sisters’ mindset, Trace continued, “Me and the girls have been genuinely worried about you for years but you’ve pushed all of us away. Noah desperately has wanted you to be a part of her life and you haven’t even been there for her.”
Adding that he has been sober for a year and a half, the musician said he doesn’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: “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.”
