Billy Ray Cyrus’s Ex-Wife Speaks Out After Family Says They’re “Genuinely Worried” About Him
on Jan 24, 2025
Table of Contents
- Two days after Billy Ray Cyrus’s son issued a heartfelt letter to his dad, Cyrus’s ex-wife, Firerose Cyrus, said she’s sad to see him struggling.
- Cyrus issued a statement defending his performance.
- Billy Ray’s son Trace issued a statement following the performance.
- Cyrus’s ex-wife spoke out Thursday and voiced her concern for him.
Two days after Billy Ray Cyrus’s son issued a heartfelt letter to his dad, Cyrus’s ex-wife, Firerose Cyrus, said she’s sad to see him struggling.
Billy Ray Cyrus was one of several artists slated to sing during Monday night’s inauguration balls in honor of Donald Trump’s inauguration. When Cyrus took the stage at the Liberty Ball, it was clear that something was wrong.
The “Some Gave All” singer took the stage alone and launched into a 2-song set without any accompaniment after his guitar had issues. After singing his chart-topping hit “Old Town Road,” Cyrus attempted to sing his signature song, “Achy Breaky Heart.” The result was an awkward performance that left fans concerned about Billy Ray’s well-being.
When the lights went out and his set was over, Cyrus wasn’t in a hurry to get off the stage. He wandered around, bowing, kneeling, and waving to the crowd until he was escorted off.
Cyrus issued a statement defending his performance.
Less than 24 hours after he appeared at the inaugural ball, the singer issued a statement and blamed equipment failure for his poor performance.
RELATED: MEET BILLY RAY CYRUS’S 6 KIDS
“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. 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!!!”
A second statement followed the next day and Billy Ray told fans “you just had to be there.” He also shared what seemed to be a tweaked lyric from “Achy Breaky Heart” that read, “I just don’t think you understand.”
Billy Ray’s son Trace issued a statement following the performance.
Two days after Billy Ray’s now-viral moment, his son Trace posted an emotional and heartfelt letter to his dad. In the note, Trace said that it was obvious Billy Ray was struggling.
“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,” Trace wrote.
“We are all hanging on to memories of the man we once knew & hoping for the day he returns. You’re not healthy Dad & everyone is noticing it.”
Cyrus’s ex-wife spoke out Thursday and voiced her concern for him.
Firerose, whose birth name is Johanna Rose Hodges, was married to Billy Ray Cyrus for seven months. She spoke to Page Six on Thursday and claims that what fans are seeing is what she experienced during her marriage.
“What’s being seen in public now reflects much of what I experienced in private during our relationship,” Firerose said.
“It’s very sad to see those same struggles continue for him, but I’m glad the truth is coming to light — for his potential good because healing is only possible when you confront the truth and accept there’s a problem.”
Billy Ray and Firerose said “I do” in October 2023, 12 years after they first met on the set of “Hannah Montana.” In May 2024, Cyrus filed for an annulment after allegedly finding out that his wife had been married before.
TODAY reported that Cyrus “cited irreconcilable differences and inappropriate marital conduct as his reasons for seeking a divorce. He also requested an annulment on the grounds of fraud.”
The weeks that followed were full of abuse allegations from both sides, leading to a public and messy divorce.
Firerose allegedly settled for $0 “in order to walk away without fighting for money in “order to be done with the volatile relationship and anything having to do with Billy.”