Billy Ray Cyrus Announces New Album Produced by Son Braison amid Inauguration Performance Controversy: 'Gonna be Special'

Billy Ray Cyrus and son Braison have spent the last year working hard in the studio together — and this summer, the fruits of their labor will hit the airwaves.

The country star announced the release of a new project produced by Braison on Friday, Jan. 24, just days after his performance at President Donald Trump’s inauguration made headlines and seemingly prompted an open letter of concern from his eldest son Trace.

“I’ve spent this past year getting to know my dad better than I ever have,” Braison, 30, said in a statement. “I’ve heard stories, jokes and songs that I don’t think anyone else has. It’s an opportunity to tell my dad’s story through music and I’m fortunate to be able to take it. Music, stories and family are the most important things to my dad so to bring the two together is a full circle endeavor.”

Related: Billy Ray Cyrus Speaks Out About His Trump Inauguration Performance, Says His Equipment Went 'to Hell' (Exclusive)

Billy Ray, meanwhile, said in a statement that he was “so proud to lean into the music” with his son, whom he shares with ex-wife Tish Cyrus (The pair are also parents to Trace, 35, and daughters Brandi, 37, Miley, 31, and Noah, 25).

“This is art imitating life, imitating art,” the singer, 63, said. “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.”

The forthcoming record has yet to get a title or release date, but will feature songs co-written by both Billy Ray and Braison. It marks the first new album from the “Achy Breaky Heart” singer since 2019. That same year, his hit “Old Town Road” with Lil Nas X topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 19 consecutive weeks.

In July, Billy Ray supported Braison as the younger Cyrus made his performance debut at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, with the two performing alongside longtime members of Billy Ray's band.

The album announcement and support from Braison comes two days after Trace shared an emotional open letter to Billy Ray that expressed concern for the star after his performance at Trump’s Liberty Ball on Jan. 20, during which he experienced technical difficulties and had to sing “Achy Breaky Heart” a cappella.

"It seems this world has beaten you down and it’s become obvious to everyone but you. You may be upset with me for posting this but I really could care less at this point,” Trace wrote, in part, on Instagram.

The former Metro Station singer also seemed to reference his sisters, writing, “Me and the girls have been genuinely worried about you for years but you’ve pushed all of us away… You’re not healthy Dad & everyone is noticing it.”

He added that while he wasn’t sure what Billy Ray was “struggling with exactly,” he wanted to help.

Related: Billy Ray Cyrus Joins Son Braison on Stage for His Grand Ole Opry Debut: 'Never Been More Proud' (Exclusive)

For his part, Billy Ray has maintained that he’s doing just fine, and that any issues with the Liberty Ball performance were nothing more than technical difficulties.

"I wouldn’t have missed the honor of playing this event whether my microphone, guitar and monitors worked or not. I was there because President Donald J. Trump invited me," he told PEOPLE exclusively in a statement on Jan. 22. "I had a ball at the Liberty Ball last night and 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!!!"

Later that day, he posted another response on Instagram, writing that his a cappella version of “Achy Breaky Heart” was “the most fun part” of the night.

“And if you didn’t see it… you just had to be there," he captioned the video. "I just don’t think you understand.”

Read the original article on People