Baxter Neal Helson: 5 Untold Truths About Tish Cyrus’s Complicated Ex and Father of Brandi and Trace

When discussing the ever-popular Cyrus family, most minds jump directly to global pop sensation Miley Cyrus or her father, country music star Billy Ray Cyrus. However, behind the glamour and the media spotlight lies a lesser-known but significant figure—Baxter Neal Helson, the first husband of Tish Cyrus and the biological father of Brandi and Trace Cyrus. While he does not share the fame of the rest of the Cyrus clan, his role in their origin story is fundamental and often overlooked. This article offers a deep dive into the life of Baxter Neal Helson, his personal journey, relationship with Tish, and the legacy that lingers quietly behind the fame of his children.

Quick Bio

Early Life of Baxter Neal Helson: A Musician from Kentucky

Baxter Neal Helson was born and raised in Ashland, Kentucky, a town with deep musical roots. From an early age, he showed an interest in music, particularly in drumming, which would go on to become his profession. While not much is publicly documented about his early education or family background, what stands out is his commitment to music, something that likely drew him closer to Leticia “Tish” Finley, who would later become Tish Cyrus.

The two met during their youth, at a time when both were navigating the complexities of adulthood. Like many young relationships, theirs bloomed quickly and resulted in marriage. Though their union was short-lived, it set the foundation for what would become one of the most talked-about celebrity families in Hollywood.

Marriage to Tish Cyrus: A Youthful Romance Turned Parenthood

Baxter and Tish tied the knot in the early 1980s when both were still quite young. Their relationship was intense, passionate, and short-lived. During their marriage, they welcomed two children: Brandi (born 1987) and Trace (born 1989). These formative years were filled with challenges as the couple struggled with the responsibilities of young parenthood while also navigating their own personal growth.

Although details about their married life are scarce, it is widely understood that the relationship eventually became strained, leading to divorce. Baxter and Tish went their separate ways, and the custody of their children became a subject of legal attention. Tish eventually retained custody, which led to a physical and emotional separation between Baxter and his children.

Brandi and Trace: Children of Two Worlds

Brandi and Trace may be known today as members of the Cyrus family, but their early life started under the last name Helson. After their parents’ divorce, they were primarily raised by their mother, Tish. When Tish married Billy Ray Cyrus in 1993, he legally adopted both children, giving them not only his last name but also a more stable and high-profile family environment.

Brandi Cyrus has since carved out a name for herself as a media personality, DJ, actress, and fashion influencer, while Trace Cyrus became known for his music career, especially as the guitarist and vocalist for the band Metro Station. Though their public lives are closely linked to Billy Ray, Baxter Neal Helson remains their biological father, an important but often overlooked detail in their personal histories.

Custody and Estrangement: A Complicated Family Web

After the divorce, Tish Cyrus gained primary custody of Brandi and Trace. Baxter Neal Helson attempted to maintain a relationship with his children, but reports suggest there were legal battles over visitation rights. These disputes likely contributed to a growing estrangement between Baxter and his children. Court documents from the early 1990s indicated conflicts over parenting styles and living arrangements, which further complicated the situation.

With Tish’s marriage to Billy Ray Cyrus and the public’s attention shifting toward the rising stardom of the Cyrus family, Baxter quietly disappeared from the limelight. Though he never publicly contested Billy Ray’s adoption of his children, the emotional impact of losing close ties with his kids cannot be understated. Many speculate that this marked the beginning of a long period of emotional distance between Baxter and his children.

Life After Divorce: Where Is Baxter Neal Helson Now?

After separating from Tish Cyrus and losing prominence in the lives of his children, Baxter Neal Helson retreated from the public eye. Unlike the rest of the Cyrus family, he has kept a low profile and has chosen to stay away from the entertainment industry’s chaos. It’s believed that he continued to work in music, particularly as a drummer, although without public recognition or major commercial success.

He reportedly moved to Los Angeles for a period, likely seeking work opportunities in the music scene. However, the media seldom covers him, and he does not appear to maintain any public social media accounts. This enigmatic existence has only fueled curiosity around his identity and life choices. What remains clear is that Helson prefers privacy, a stark contrast to the celebrity culture his children are now immersed in.

The Impact of His Absence on His Children

While there is no public record of Brandi or Trace discussing their biological father in depth, it’s not uncommon for children of divorce—especially those whose step-parent becomes their primary father figure—to develop complex emotional narratives around their upbringing. Billy Ray Cyrus, for all public purposes, filled the role of father in their lives, and the children have referred to him as “dad” in interviews and social media posts.

It’s uncertain whether Brandi or Trace have had any significant reconnection with Baxter in their adult years. But based on the lack of public interaction or acknowledgment, many believe the relationship remains distant. That said, familial bonds are deeply personal, and it is possible that any reconciliation or communication happens away from the public eye, which would align with Helson’s preference for privacy.

Baxter Neal Helson vs. Billy Ray Cyrus: Two Very Different Lives

In many ways, Baxter Neal Helson and Billy Ray Cyrus represent opposite ends of the fatherhood spectrum—at least in the public’s perception. Billy Ray has long been a public figure, supporting his children’s musical aspirations and appearing in family-centric interviews and reality shows. On the other hand, Baxter Neal Helson remains virtually invisible, known only to those who dig deeper into the family’s history.

But that doesn’t mean Helson didn’t play an important role. His genetic and early emotional contributions to Brandi and Trace’s formative years are undeniable. He was the first partner of Tish Cyrus and the father of her first children, forming the initial building blocks of what would eventually become the Cyrus dynasty.

Why Baxter Neal Helson Remains a Mystery

One of the most intriguing aspects of Baxter Neal Helson is his near-total absence from public records and interviews. In an age of Instagram stories, paparazzi, and constant media coverage, it is unusual for someone tied to such a famous family to remain so off-the-grid. Whether by choice or circumstance, Helson has managed to preserve a level of anonymity that is both commendable and puzzling.

This silence has led to speculation, curiosity, and even misinformation about who he is, what he does, and what his current relationship with his children looks like. But perhaps that’s the way he prefers it—quiet, focused on personal fulfillment rather than public approval

The Legacy of Baxter Neal Helson in the Cyrus Story

Though his time with Tish Cyrus was brief and his involvement in his children’s lives appears limited, Baxter Neal Helson’s role in the broader narrative of the Cyrus family is undeniable. He is the biological father of two children who have gone on to carve their own paths in entertainment. His early relationship with Tish set the foundation for the family she would later build with Billy Ray, which would go on to impact American pop culture significantly.

In many ways, Baxter Neal Helson is a silent architect—one whose influence is foundational yet rarely acknowledged. His story reminds us that not all contributors to fame live in the spotlight. Some exist behind the scenes, shaping the lives of those who shine on stage and screen.

Conclusion: Remembering the Man Behind the Curtain

In a world where celebrity lineage and public personas dominate headlines, Baxter Neal Helson remains an enigma. His name is known only to those who take a deeper interest in the origins of the Cyrus family. Yet, his role is pivotal. As the first husband of Tish Cyrus and the father of Brandi and Trace, he contributed to the early life experiences of two individuals who would become integral parts of American pop culture.

Though estranged, quiet, and mostly hidden from the public lens, Baxter Neal Helson’s impact lingers in the legacy of a family that continues to captivate millions. His story is a reminder that every family has roots—and sometimes, the most overlooked branches hold stories just as compelling as the ones in the spotlight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is Baxter Neal Helson?

• Baxter Neal Helson is a musician and drummer from Ashland, Kentucky, best known as the first husband of Tish Cyrus and the biological father of Brandi and Trace Cyrus.

2. Are Brandi and Trace Cyrus related to Billy Ray Cyrus?

• Brandi and Trace are the biological children of Baxter Neal Helson and Tish Cyrus. Billy Ray Cyrus adopted them after marrying Tish in 1993, making him their legal father.

3. What happened between Baxter Neal Helson and Tish Cyrus?

• They married young and later divorced. After the separation, Tish received custody of the children, and the relationship between Baxter and his kids became strained over time.

4. Is Baxter Neal Helson still involved in music?

• While he reportedly continued working in music, Baxter has maintained a very low profile, and little is known about his current activities or career.

5. Does Baxter Neal Helson have a relationship with Brandi and Trace now?

• There is no public evidence of a current relationship between Baxter and his children, and neither Brandi nor Trace has spoken about him in detail in recent years.