Billy Ray Cyrus announced details about a new album that he worked on with his son, Braison Cyrus, amid concern about his performance at the Liberty Ball on President Donald Trump’s Inauguration Day.
Billy Ray, 63, said of the album: “This is art imitating life, imitating art. It starts and ends with art. Braison is very talented and ‘25 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 new album will be Billy Ray’s first full-length project since 2019. He did not confirm the title of the record or the release date as of publication time on Friday (January 24); however, it’s due to arrive over the summer.
Braison, 30, who co-wrote some of the tracks with his father on the upcoming album and produced the project, said in a statement on Friday: “I’ve spent this past year getting to know my dad better than I ever have. 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. Music, stories and family are the most important things to my dad so to bring the two together is a full circle endeavor.”
Billy Ray shares Braison with ex-wife Tish Cyrus. Billy Ray married Tish in 1993, and they divorced in 2022. Billy Ray adopted Tish’s daughter, Brandi Cyrus, 37, and son Trace Cyrus, 35, and the former couple share son Braison and daughters Miley Cyrus, 32, and Noah Cyrus, 25. Billy Ray is also a father to 32-year-old son Christopher Cody Cyrus from a previous relationship.
Billy Ray’s album announcement with Braison arrives just a few days after the “Achy Breaky Heart” singer delivered a performance that stirred comments on social media, including those calling the performance “heartbreaking,” “an epic disaster,” “cringe-worthy” and “legitimately concerning.”
Trace wrote a heartfelt statement to Billy Ray after the Inauguration performance. Trace said the day Billy Ray adopted him “was the happiest day of my life,” though he now considers the country star unrecognizable. Trace wrote in his statement, in part: “You’re not healthy Dad & everyone is noticing it. …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. Till that day comes I will continue to pray for you.”
Billy Ray called out technical issues in a statement the following day, saying at that time he “wouldn’t have missed the honor of playing this event whether my microphone, guitar and monitors worked or not. …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 added in another statement, “if you didn’t see it… you just had to be there. ‘I just don’t think you understand.’”