Billy Ray Cyrus attended his first public event since performing at President Donald Trump’s inauguration last month.
Cyrus, 63, attended a fundraiser for the Nashville Humane Association supporting homeless pets in Nashville, Tennessee, on Saturday, February 1. The event, which raised money to help rescue homeless pets in the area, featured a celebrity and rescue pet runway show with a lineup of notable walkers, including Cyrus.
In a video obtained exclusively by Us Weekly, the musician struts a runway in his usual hat-and-sunglasses combo while holding a small dog in his hands. The event was hosted by fellow Grammy-winner, country legend Emmylou Harris.
Cyrus headlined the inaugural Liberty Ball on Monday, January 20, where he experienced technical difficulties before closing with an acoustic performance of “Achy Breaky Heart.” He later defended his performance following backlash for accepting the invitation.
“This was the most fun part of the Liberty Ball! And if you didn’t see it … you just had to be there,” he wrote via Instagram on January 22.
“I wouldn’t have missed the honor of playing this event whether my microphone, guitar and monitors worked or not,” he told People on January 21. “I was there because President Donald J. Trump invited me. I had a ball at the Liberty Ball last night.”
He added, “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!!!”
Cyrus’ charitable appearance in Nashville on Saturday comes after a significant amount of drama for his family.
Trace Cyrus is not a fan of his dad Billy Ray Cyrus’ recent social media post about their family’s ongoing drama. “Sunday callin. Giving thanks for the California Rain,” Billy Ray, 63, wrote via YouTube Shorts on Sunday, January 26. “Praying for the brokenhearted and their pain. Praying for my family. For my children … […]
Last month, Billy Ray’s son Trace Cyrus alleged in a statement via Instagram that the country star was “not healthy.” (Billy Ray adopted Trace, 35, and his sister Brandi Cyrus after he married their mom, Tish Cyrus, in 1992. Tish, 57, and Billy Ray welcomed children Miley Cyrus, Braison Cyrus and Noah Cyrus before divorcing in 2022. Billy Ray also shares son Christopher Cyrus with ex Kristin Luckey.)
Braison, 30, appeared to respond to his brother’s claim, asserting Billy Ray was both “healthy” and “happy” and that he would be producing his dad’s next album.
Billy Ray, for his part, sent a message via social media amid the back-and-forth between his sons, saying he was “praying” for his family.”
“Sunday callin. Giving thanks for the California Rain,” he wrote via YouTube Shorts on January 26. “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 🙏🏼.”
