Billy Ray Cyrus And Son Team Up For New Music While Family Expresses Concerns

Billy Ray Cyrus is forging ahead with his music career, undeterred by family concerns and public scrutiny.

On Friday, the country music icon revealed plans for a new album produced in collaboration with his son, Braison Cyrus.

The announcement comes amidst reported family worries over Billy Ray Cyrus' well-being following a controversial and chaotic performance at President Donald Trump's post-inauguration Liberty Ball.

Billy Ray Cyrus and his son Braison have spent the past year pouring their hearts and creativity into the studio together, and their hard work is about to pay off in a big way. This summer, fans will finally enjoy the results of their collaboration as the duo gets ready to release new music.

For Braison, the project has been more than just a professional endeavor; it's been a deeply personal journey. "I've spent this past year getting to know my dad better than I ever have," Braison shared in a heartfelt statement with PEOPLE Magazine.

"I've heard stories, jokes, and songs that I don't think anyone else has," he added. "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 is equally enthusiastic about the project.

The legendary country artist expressed his pride and excitement in a statement of his own. "This is art imitating life, imitating art," he said.

Billy Ray continued, "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 Liberty Ball performance, intended to celebrate the newly inaugurated president, became a night to remember for all the wrong reasons.

Billy Ray's rendition of his classic hit "Achy Breaky Heart" was plagued by technical difficulties, including issues with his guitar and microphone. Undeterred, the determined performer chose to improvise, eventually delivering the song a cappella. At one point, he removed the microphone from its stand and began speaking the lyrics instead of singing them, a move that left the audience confused.

The challenges didn't stop there.

During a performance of his chart-topping collaboration with Lil Nas X, "Old Town Road," Billy Ray further raised eyebrows. After completing his part of the song, he began repeating the lyrics in a monotone voice, urging the crowd to join him in singing along. Without a backing track, the performance came across as disjointed, with Billy Ray wandering the stage in what many described as an uncomfortable spectacle.

After the stunt, Billy Ray released a statement, saying, "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."

He added, "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!"

In the wake of this performance, those close to the Cyrus family have expressed concern for the singer's well-being, urging him to take a step back and prioritize his health, including his son Trace Cyrus.

"Me and the girls have been genuinely worried about you for years, but you've pushed all of us away," Trace wrote, referring to his siblings Miley Cyrus and Noah Cyrus. "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," he added. "You're not healthy, Dad, and everyone is noticing it."

Despite these worries, Billy Ray appears focused on his upcoming project with Braison, signaling a renewed determination to keep creating and sharing music.