When people talk about the Cyrus family, Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus usually come to mind. However, there is another important person in this family’s history—Baxter Neal Helson, Tish Cyrus’ first husband and the father of two talented children.
Personal Info
| Full Name | Baxter Neal Helson |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 21, 1966 |
| Place of Birth | Ashland, Kentucky, USA |
| Age | 58 years old (as of 2024) |
| Profession | Drummer |
| Famous For | Ex-husband of Tish Cyrus |
| Children | Brandi Cyrus, Trace Cyrus |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Net Worth | Around $500,000 |
Early Life and Love for Music
Baxter Neal Helson was born on January 21, 1966, in Ashland, Kentucky. From a young age, he loved music, especially drumming. He played at local parties and small bars in his hometown, becoming known as a talented drummer who could keep a perfect beat.
Meeting Tish Cyrus and Starting a Family
Baxter met Leticia Jean Finley (now Tish Cyrus) at a local party. They were teenagers—Tish was 18 and Baxter was 19. They fell in love and married in 1986.
Their daughter Brandi Glenn Cyrus was born on May 26, 1987. Two years later, on February 24, 1989, their son Neil Timothy Helson (now Trace Cyrus) arrived. Both children later found success in entertainment.
The Divorce
The marriage ended in 1989, just three years after their wedding. The reasons for their separation were never made public.
The Custody Battle
After the divorce, a custody battle followed. The court gave Tish full custody while Baxter received visitation rights. When Tish married Billy Ray Cyrus in 1993, Billy adopted both children. Baxter had to give up some parental rights, and both children changed their last name from Helson to Cyrus.
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Life After Divorce
After the divorce, Baxter chose a private life. While Tish joined the celebrity world, Baxter moved to Phoenix, Arizona, living quietly away from attention. He never gave interviews or wrote books about his past. For over thirty years, he has kept his personal life private and is not active on social media.
His Children’s Success
Both children became successful in entertainment. Brandi Cyrus is an actress, singer, and DJ who has worked on TV shows and co-hosts a show on Bravo. Trace Cyrus is a musician and guitarist, best known as a member of Metro Station with hit songs like “Shake It.”
Baxter’s Influence and Financial Situation
Though not present in his children’s daily lives after adoption, Baxter’s love for music influenced both Brandi and Trace. They inherited their father’s passion for music.
Baxter’s net worth is around $500,000, much less than Tish’s $20 million or Miley’s $200 million. He lives a working-class life and never profited from his connection to the Cyrus family.
A Man Who Chose Privacy
What makes Baxter different is his choice to stay completely private. While many people want fame, Baxter chose the opposite. He never gave interviews, never wrote tell-all books, and never used his connection to the Cyrus family for attention. This shows respect for his children and their privacy.
His Legacy
Baxter Neal Helson may not be famous, but his legacy lives through his children. Both Brandi and Trace have successful careers in entertainment, carrying their father’s love for music.
His story teaches us that not everyone connected to famous people wants the spotlight. Some people prefer quiet lives and privacy. Baxter chose this path over thirty years ago and stayed true to it. When you listen to Trace’s music or watch Brandi on TV, remember their talent comes partly from their father.
Conclusion
Baxter Neal Helson is a man who valued privacy over fame. As Tish Cyrus’ first husband and the father of Brandi and Trace Cyrus, he has an important place in the Cyrus family history. Though he lives far from the bright lights of Hollywood, his influence on his children’s lives and careers cannot be forgotten. His story reminds us that not all heroes seek attention, and sometimes the most meaningful contributions come from people who choose to stay in the shadows.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Baxter Neal Helson?
Baxter Neal Helson is an American drummer from Kentucky. He is best known as the first husband of Tish Cyrus and the biological father of Brandi Cyrus and Trace Cyrus.
2. How many children does Baxter Neal Helson have?
Baxter has two children: a daughter named Brandi Cyrus (born in 1987) and a son named Trace Cyrus (born in 1989). Both children were later adopted by Billy Ray Cyrus.
3. What does Baxter Neal Helson do now?
Baxter lives a very private life away from the media. He is not active on social media, and there is little information about his current job or activities. He is believed to be living in Arizona.
4. Why did Baxter Neal Helson and Tish Cyrus divorce?
The exact reasons for their divorce in 1989 were never made public. They were very young when they married and had two children, but their marriage lasted only three years.
5. What is Baxter Neal Helson’s relationship with his children today?
After Billy Ray Cyrus adopted Brandi and Trace in 1993, Baxter stepped back from their lives. Neither Brandi nor Trace publicly talks about their relationship with their biological father, and Baxter has remained private about his family connections.
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