Trace Cyrus shared a heartfelt message to his father, country star Billy Ray Cyrus, after his Liberty Ball performance on President Donald Trump’s Inauguration Day led to a rise in social media comments expressing concern.

Trace, 35, shared a throwback photo with Billy Ray on Instagram on Wednesday evening (January 22). He said it was “the happiest day of m life” when the country star adopted him after marrying his mother, Tish Cyrus, in 1993. They’ve since split up after nearly three decades of marriage. Billy Ray also adopted Tish’s daughter and Trace’s sister, Brandi Cyrus, 37. He and Tish share son Braison Cyrus, 30, and daughters Miley Cyrus, 32, and Noah Cyrus, 25. Billy Ray is also a father to son Christopher Cody Cyrus, 32, from a previous relationship. Trace appeared to reference his mom and his sisters in his post. He wrote:

“Since my earliest memories all I can remember is being obsessed with you and thinking you were the coolest person ever. I wanted to be just like you. The day you adopted me was the happiest day of my life. 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. You may be upset with me for posting this but I really could care less at this point. Me and the girls have been genuinely worried about you for years but you’ve pushed all of us away. Noah desperately has wanted you to be a part of her life and you haven’t even been there for her. That’s your baby girl. She deserves better. Somehow just like me she still idolizes you though. 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. Just like I showed up for you at mamaws funeral when you didn’t expect me to I’m still here right now. As I write this with tears in my eyes I hope you realize 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 half clean from alcohol. Guess what? I feel amazing.. 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, 63, was set to perform “Old Town Road,” his 2019 collaboration with Lil Nas X, though he walked around the stage with his vocals and guitar inaudible. The music video played in the background. Billy Ray said, “I think they cut me off. …Is anybody awake? I don’t hear it. Do y’all hear this? Where’s everybody at? Check. Is anyone back there?” He also noted fellow country artist Carrie Underwood’s technical difficulties when she performed “America the Beautiful” at the Inauguration ceremony, and continued his own performance with an a cappella rendition of “Achy Breaky Heart.” Some social media commenters called the performance “heartbreaking,” “an epic disaster,” “cringe-worthy” and “legitimately concerning.”

“I wouldn’t have missed the honor of playing this event whether my microphone, guitar and monitors worked or not,” Billy Ray said in a statement as he shared a performance photo on Instagram on Tuesday (January 21). “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!!!”

On Wednesday, Billy Ray posted a clip of his performance and added: “This was the most fun part of the Liberty Ball! And if you didn’t see it… you just had to be there. ‘I just don’t think you understand.’”

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