Billy Ray Cyrus is back in the spotlight, but not for reasons that fans might have expected. Just days after his shaky and technically troubled performance at the Liberty Ball during President Trump’s inauguration, the “Achy Breaky Heart” singer has announced plans for a new album set to release this summer. While this would typically excite his fans, the timing of the announcement raises eyebrows, especially after his son Trace Cyrus publicly expressed concern for his father’s health and sobriety.
In his statement, Billy Ray called the project “the journey of a lifetime,” sharing that his 30-year-old son Braison Cyrus is producing the album. “This is art imitating life, imitating art,” Billy Ray said. While his words paint an optimistic picture, they come just days after Trace’s heartfelt Instagram post, where he described the growing distance between his father and family. Trace wrote, “You’re not healthy, Dad, and everyone is noticing it,” expressing how his family has been “hanging on to memories of the man we once knew.”
The announcement also follows backlash from his inauguration performance, where technical issues and a shaky delivery left fans concerned. Some have questioned whether Billy Ray is rushing into this new project as a distraction or an attempt to reclaim his footing in the public eye. While the new album presents an opportunity for redemption, fans and family alike seem to hope that Cyrus will prioritize his health and relationships first.