Despite their ups and downs, Firerose still has empathy for ex-husband Billy Ray Cyrus.
“The truth is that I just never could have imagined, you know, all these years later, everything that’s transpired. But I wish him all the best,” the musician, 35, shared on the Monday, January 27, episode of the Australian radio program “The Kyle & Jackie O Show.” She added: “I prayed for him every day. I just pray that he finds the blessing of faith, really. That if he can connect with Jesus, then I know there’s hope for him.”
The show’s hosts called Firerose to weigh in on Billy Ray’s recent performance at President Donald Trump’s inauguration, which was riddled with technical difficulties, as well as comments made by his son Trace Cyrus about Billy Ray’s well-being.
“We haven’t talked in a while but I’m over a year and a half clean from alcohol. Guess what? I feel amazing,” Trace, 35, wrote via Instagram on Wednesday, January 22. “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.”
Braison Cyrus later revealed via his Instagram Story that Billy Ray, 63, was “healthy” after spending “a week in the hospital in the fall.” (Braison, 30, is also producing his father’s upcoming album, recently teasing the “full circle endeavor” in a statement to People.)
As the back and forth continued, Trace claimed that Billy Ray threatened him with legal action for “wanting you to get help,” writing via Instagram on Saturday, January 25, “Everyone close to you is terrified to tell you how they really feel. I’m not. Get help.”
Firerose claimed during her radio appearance that what she “experienced behind closed doors” during her marriage to Billy Ray “is very reflective of what everyone is saying now,” adding, “I’m extremely grateful to God for getting me out of that situation.”
She continued: “I think what you guys see is just very evident of the situation. I think everyone can just trust their own eyes and ears. And it’s a very sad situation, honestly. I tried with all my soul to help him for years.”
Less than one year after Firerose and Billy Ray tied the knot in October 2023, Billy Ray filed for an annulment from his ex in June 2024. He cited irreconcilable differences and “inappropriate marital conduct” as the reason for their split in court documents obtained by Us Weekly.
The pair made numerous accusations against each other before finalizing their divorce in August 2024. A source exclusively told Us last summer that Billy Ray accused Firerose of cheating, while legal docs claimed she tried to stop him from having contact with one of his daughters and accused her of physical, emotional and verbal abuse. (Firerose’s reps denied his claims at the time.)
Firerose, for her part, also accused Billy Ray of domestic abuse and claimed she had to follow “strict rules” during their marriage, which Billy Ray’s team denied. Firerose received $0 in their divorce agreement, while Billy Ray agreed to hand over song credits and royalties for tracks they worked on together.
Earlier this month, Firerose told Page Six that she’s “very sad to see” the tension between Billy Ray and his family. “But I’m glad the truth is coming to light for his potential good because healing is only possible when you confront the truth and accept there’s a problem,” she shared.
Billy Ray, meanwhile, wrote via his Instagram Story on Sunday, January 26, that he’s “Praying for the brokenhearted and their pain. Praying for my family. For my children … sons and daughters…and their mother.” He added: “Let this moment be the start of healing for us all. ‘The past does not equal the future.’ Amen .”
Billy Ray adopted Trace and Brandi Cyrus after marrying Tish Cyrus in 1992. The former spouses went on to welcome Braison, Miley Cyrus and Noah Cyrus before calling it quits in 2022. Billy Ray also shares son Christopher Cyrus with ex Kristin Luckey.