Track Cyrus Pen’s Open Letter to Father Billy Ray Cyrus After Inaugural Performance

• Trace Cyrus has written an emotional open letter to her father Billy Ray Cyrus on Instagram, saying his family is “worried” about him
• “The day you adopted me was the happiest day of my life. Unfortunately, the man I so desperately wanted to be like I barely recognize now,” the former Metro Station singer wrote alongside a throwback photo of the couple on stage
• Trace’s comments come after his father received criticism for his performance at the Liberty Ball, part of President Donald Trump’s inaugural festivities, on Monday, January 20.

Trace Cyrus is voicing her concerns for her father Billy Ray Cyrus as he receives criticism for his performance at President Donald Trump’s inauguration.

On Wednesday, Jan. 22, Trace, 35 — who Billy Ray, 63, adopted in 1993 after marrying his now-ex-wife Tish Cyrus — penned an emotional open letter to the musician d. Instagramand wrote that since his “earliest memories” all he can remember was “being obsessed” with his father and thinking he was “the coolest person ever.”

“I wanted to be just like you. The day you adopted me was the happiest day of my life. Unfortunately, the man I so desperately wanted to be like I barely recognize now,” the former Metro Station frontman wrote . He did not mention his father’s performance at Trump’s inaugural Liberty Ball on Jan. 20 in the post.

Along with a throwback photo of the father and son on stage, Trace added: “Looks like this world has got you down and it’s become apparent to everyone but you. You can feel sorry for me for posting this but I really couldn’t care less at this point.”

Appearing to be referring to his sisters Brandi Cyrus, 37 – who Billy Ray also adopted in 1993 – Miley Cyrus, 32, and Noah Cyrus, 25, Trace continued in the post: “Me and the girls have been genuinely worried about you for years , but you’ve pushed us all away.”

“Noah has desperately wanted you to be a part of her life and you haven’t even been there for her. That’s your little girl. She deserves better. Somehow, like me, she still adores you ,” Trace added of Billy Ray’s youngest. child. Billy Ray also shares son Christopher Cody Cyrus, 32, with ex-girlfriend Kristin Luckey and son Braison Cyrus, 30, with Tish, whom he divorced in 2022.

“We all hang on to the memories of the man we once knew and hope for the day he returns. You’re not well, Dad, and everyone notices. Just like I showed up for you at Mamaw’s funeral when you didn’t expect me until I’m still here right now,” Trace continued, apparently referring to Billy Ray’s late mother, Ruth Ann Casto, who died in 2022.

Trace added: “As I write this with tears in my eyes, I hope you realize that 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 a half clean from alcohol. Guess what? I’m doing great.. I don’t know what you’re struggling with exactly, but I think I’m right good. idea and I’d love to help you if you’ll open up and accept the help,” he concluded. “You know how to reach me. Until that day comes, I will continue to pray for you.”

Trace’s comments come after Billy Ray spoke out following criticism of his Liberty Ball performance on Instagramand shares the video of himself performing an a cappella rendition of his 1992 hit “Achy Breaky Heart.”

“This was the funnest part of the Liberty Ball! And if you didn’t see it… you just had to be there,” he wrote under the comment-turned-off post.

“I just don’t think you understand,” he added, referencing the song’s lyrics.

At the inaugural event, Billy Ray experienced technical difficulties while singing “Achy Breaky Heart” and his Lil Nas X collaboration “Old Town Road,” causing both confusion and concern. After performing his part of “Old Town Road”, Billy Ray continued to repeat his lyrics in a monotone voice and asked the crowd to sing along with him as he wandered around the stage without a backing track.

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Meanwhile, during his performance of “Achy Breaky Heart”, he faced problems with his guitar and microphone, and while trying to perform the song a cappella, he removed his microphone from the stand and began speaking the lyrics instead of singing you.

“Check? Is anyone awake?” asked Billy Ray during the performance. “You guys want me to sing more or do you want me to just get off the stage?” he continued, adding: “In life, when you have technical difficulties, you just have to keep going, or as President Trump would say, ‘You have to fight.'”

The country singer talked about his performance on Jan. 21 in an exclusive statement to PEOPLE.

“I would not have missed the honor of playing this event whether my microphone, guitar and monitors were working or not. I was there because President Donald J. Trump invited me,” he said. “I had a ball at the Liberty Ball last night, and I’ve learned all these years, when the producer says, ‘You’re on,’ you have to entertain the people, even if the equipment goes to hell. I was there for people , and we had fun. It’s called rock n roll!!!”