FIREROSE broke her silence on ex-husband Billy Ray Cyrus after the “Achy Breaky Heart” artist’s Liberty Ball performance on President Donald Trump’s Inauguration Day was deemed “an epic disaster,” “legitimately concerning” and more among commenters.

FIREROSE said in a statement via PEOPLE on Friday (January 24): “What’s being seen in public now reflects much of what I experienced in private during our relationship. It’s very sad to see those same struggles continue for him, 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. For me, I remain focused on my faith, my music, my healing and using my story to encourage others to find strength and hope.”

Cyrus, 63, and FIREROSE, 36, got married on October 10, 2023. Cyrus filed for divorce from the woman he previously referred to as his “soulmate” and the “beautiful love of my live” in late May, citing “irreconcilable differences” seven months into their marriage. They reached a settlement in the divorce in August 2024 after months of making accusations against one another. Cyrus said in a statement via his attorneys at the time, in part, that he’s “very relieved,” and called the marriage “absolutely the most crazy insane scam I have ever heard of.”

The statement from FIREROSE, also known as Johanna Rose Hodges, arrives days after Cyrus delivered a performance that commenters called “heartbreaking,” “an epic disaster,” “cringe-worthy” and “legitimately concerning.”

Cyrus called out technical issues after the audience could not hear the singer’s vocals or guitar while the music video for “Old Town Road,” Cyrus’ 2019 collaboration with Lil Nas X, played in the background. Cyrus walked around the stage asking “Is anybody awake? …Is anyone back there?” He noted fellow country artist Carrie Underwood’s technical difficulties when she performed “America the Beautiful” (ultimately, a cappella) during the Inauguration ceremony. Cyrus ended his performance with an a cappella rendition of “Achy Breaky Heart.”

The country star’s son, Trace Cyrus, 35, has since posted an emotional statement to his father, admitting that he and others in the family feel “genuinely worried.” He wrote, in part: “You’re not healthy Dad & everyone is noticing it. …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.”

Cyrus raised Trace with ex-wife Tish Cyrus, whom he married in 1993 and divorced in 2022. Cyrus adopted Trace and Tish’s daughter, Brandi Cyrus, 37. Together, the former couple share Braison Cyrus, 30, Miley Cyrus, 32, and Noah Cyrus, 25. Billy Ray is also a father to 32-year-old son Christopher Cody Cyrus from a previous relationship.

Cyrus said in statements of his Inauguration Day performance that he “wouldn’t have missed the honor of playing this event whether my microphone, guitar and monitors worked or not. …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.” He added in another statement, “if you didn’t see it… you just had to be there. ‘I just don’t think you understand.’”

On Friday, Cyrus also announced his next album, due later this year. He did not confirm the title or release date, though he confirmed he worked on the record with son Braison. Braison served as a producer on the project and a co-writer on some of the tracks with his father. Cyrus said in a statement on Friday: “This is art imitating life, imitating art. 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.”

John E. Kage