Billy Ray Cyrus has admitted to struggling emotionally following his divorce from Firerose, sharing that he’s been in a tough mental space and dealing with “a lot of heavy doubt.”
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A source informed PEOPLE that the singer is “highly focused” on working on his new album despite ongoing family tension with his son Trace.
Billy Ray Cyrus is navigating a tough period in his life.
A source shared with PEOPLE that the country singer, who has recently faced family turmoil with his eldest son Trace, has been feeling down but is finding solace in working on his upcoming album, set to release this summer.
“There’s a lot of heavy doubt and personal struggles, not just in his personal life but also professionally,” the source revealed. “The divorce hit him hard, and he’s lost some faith.”
At 63, Billy Ray married Australian singer-songwriter Firerose in October 2023 but filed for divorce in May 2024. Their separation was fraught with tension, as both accused each other of abuse (which they each denied). Billy Ray also sought an annulment, citing fraud, with an insider telling PEOPLE that Firerose “isn’t the person he thought he married.”
The couple’s divorce was finalized in August, and Billy Ray Cyrus’s attorneys stated that he felt “relieved to put this nightmare behind him.” Meanwhile, a source close to Firerose revealed that she “chose to walk away without fighting for money” in order to end the tumultuous relationship and move on from anything related to Billy.
Despite the personal challenges, the insider shared with PEOPLE that Billy Ray is channeling his energy into his upcoming album, which is being produced by his son Braison, 30, whom he shares with ex-wife Tish Cyrus. (Billy Ray and Tish also have son Trace, 35, and daughters Brandi, 37, Miley, 32, and Noah, 25, as well as son Christopher, 32.)
“He thrives when he’s focused on his music. Music is everything to him,” the insider says. “He’s really focused on the new album right now, and it’s a great project to keep him occupied.”
Billy Ray and Braison announced their upcoming album on January 24, just days after Trace shared a heartfelt open letter expressing concern for his father, revealing that he and his siblings were “worried” about the country star.
“You’re not healthy, Dad, and everyone is noticing it,” Trace wrote. “I don’t know exactly what you’re struggling with, but I have a pretty good idea and I’d love to help if you’re open to it. You know how to reach me. Until that day comes, I’ll continue to pray for you.”
Billy Ray seemed to address the situation publicly for the first time on January 26 by posting a message alongside the music video for his 2009 song “Somebody Said a Prayer,” which features a young Trace.
Billy Ray shared a heartfelt message on Sunday, writing, “Sunday callin’. Giving thanks for the California Rain. Praying for the brokenhearted and their pain. Praying for my family. For my children … sons and daughters … and their mother. Let this moment be the start of healing ❤️🩹 for us all. ‘The past does not equal the future.’ Amen 🙏🏼.”
While the singer’s other children have not yet spoken publicly about the situation, Braison told PEOPLE, “I don’t have any bad feelings toward anyone in my family.”
Trace’s open letter followed Billy Ray’s performance at President Donald Trump’s inauguration festivities on January 20, which was marked by technical issues and raised public concern for the star.