Trace Cyrus, the son of country musician Billy Ray Cyrus, is urging his famous father to seek help after his shaky performance at President Donald Trump’s inaugural festivities.
On Wednesday, the 35-year-old posted an open letter to his father on Instagram, noting that he and his family ― which includes sisters Miley Cyrus and Noah Cyrus ― have been “genuinely worried about you for years.”
“Sadly the man that I wanted so desperately to be just like I barely recognize now,” Trace Cyrus wrote. “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.”
The musician seemed to confirm rumors of Billy Ray Cyrus’ estrangement from his children, noting, “You’ve pushed all of us away.”
Dave Benett via Getty Images
“We are all hanging on to memories of the man we once knew & hoping for the day he returns,” he wrote. “You’re not healthy Dad & everyone is noticing it.”
Elsewhere in the letter, Trace Cyrus pointed to his own sobriety and extended an offer of support to his dad, writing: “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.”
The post comes just days after Billy Ray Cyrus’ performance at the Liberty Ball in honor of Trump’s return to the White House was widely panned by critics and fans.
The “Achy Breaky Heart” singer sounded hoarse and appeared to encounter issues with the venue’s audio system that prompted his guitar to cut out, even after a pair of crew members appeared onstage to help.
Joe Raedle via Getty Images
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Billy Ray Cyrus told the crowd that “technical difficulties” were to blame, and compared himself to Carrie Underwood, who performed at Trump’s swearing-in ceremony that morning without musical accompaniment after an audio glitch.
A day after the inauguration, he defended his performance on Instagram.
“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,” he wrote. “I was there for the people and we had a blast. That’s called rock n roll!!!”
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