Billy Ray Cyrus said, “Being president’s a tough job,” when asked about Donald Trump’s divisive policies in a new interview.
The country music icon, 64, and father of singers Miley, 33, and Noah Cyrus, 26, sat down with the U.K.’s Sky News on Tuesday to discuss his forthcoming album, which is produced by his son Braison, 31, and features a duet with Noah.
However, at the end of the interview, host Wilfred Frost switched topics to ask about President Trump, after noting that Billy Ray had previously voted Democrat but endorsed Trump in the 2024 presidential election.
Asked whether he thought Trump should be less divisive, Billy Ray responded: “I can’t speak to his voice — he’s the president. My dad was a Democrat and served in the Kentucky legislature for over 20 years, but my dad always said, ‘When the president asks you to do something, you do it, son.’”
He continued, “I’ve had both Democratic and Republican presidents. Served with Bill Clinton, with President Obama. Mr. Bush, Mr. Bush’s dad. And Mr. Trump, you know, being president’s a tough job. I pray for our country. I pray for our president and I pray for our world.”
In 2000, Billy Ray described himself as a “lifelong” Democrat after his song “We the People” was used by Republican George W. Bush in his presidential campaign.
In August 2024, Cyrus shared a photo on Instagram with Trump, offering him his endorsement in the 2024 presidential election. In January of last year, he performed at the presidential inaugural ball, which celebrated the commencement of Trump’s second term.
The show was marred by technical issues and was dubbed an “epic disaster” online.
The viral incident prompted his son, Trace, to send his father a message on Instagram, claiming that his entire family was “worried” about the “Achy Breaky Heart” singer.
After marrying his then-wife Tish Cyrus in 1993, the country singer adopted Tish’s two children, Brandi, 38, and Trace, 37. Billy Ray also shares son Christopher Cody, 34, with Kristen Luckey, whom he dated before meeting Tish.
“Since my earliest memories, all I can remember is being obsessed with you and thinking you were the coolest person ever,” Trace wrote. “I wanted to be just like you. The day you adopted me was the happiest day of my life. Sadly the man that I wanted so desperately to be just like I barely recognise now. It seems this world has beaten you down and it’s become obvious to everyone but you.”
Trace acknowledged that his father might be upset with his post, but he “really could care less,” adding: “Me and the girls have been genuinely worried about you for years but you’ve pushed all of us away.”
Trace’s post came after Billy Ray pushed back against criticism of his performance, sharing a video of himself performing his 1992 hit “Achy Breaky Heart” on Instagram.
“This was the most fun part of the Liberty Ball! And if you didn’t see it… you just had to be there,” he captioned the post.
Billy Ray’s new album, The Hill, is out June 16.
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