Billy Ray Cyrus is keeping it in the family for his next studio album, turning to son Braison Cyrus to produce the record.
“This is art imitating life, imitating art,” Billy Ray, 63, said in a statement shared with People on Friday, January 24. “It starts and ends with art. Braison is very talented and [2025] 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.”
Billy Ray shares Braison, 30, with ex-wife Tish Cyrus. The pair, who divorced in 2022, also share daughters Miley Cyrus and Noah Cyrus. The “Achy Breaky Heart” singer previously adopted Tish’s eldest children, Brandi Cyrus and Trace Cyrus, after their 1992 wedding and also shares son Christopher Cody Cyrus with ex Kristen Luckey.
Many of the Cyrus kids have followed in Billy Ray’s musical footsteps as they’ve grown up. While Miley and Noah both are award-winning performers in their own right, Braison took a behind-the-scenes approach working as a songwriter and producer.
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“I’ve spent this past year getting to know my dad better than I ever have,” Braison noted in his own statement on Friday. “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.”
The record, Billy Ray’s 17th overall, does not yet have a title or a release date.
Billy Ray’s relationship with his children recently made headlines after Trace, 35, claimed that the two-time Grammy winner wasn’t “healthy.”
“The man that I wanted so desperately to be just like I barely recognize now,” Trace wrote, in part, via Instagram on Wednesday, January 22. “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.”
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He continued, “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 and hoping for the day he returns.”
While Trace acknowledged that he wasn’t sure what Billy Ray was “struggling with exactly,” he offered his assistance.
“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,” Trace concluded. “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.”
Neither Billy Ray nor his other children have publicly addressed his alleged behavior.
