Baxter Neal Helson might not be a household name, but he’s closely connected to one of the most famous families in America. As the biological father of Brandi and Trace Cyrus and the ex-husband of Tish Cyrus (Miley Cyrus’s mom), Baxter’s life story is fascinating yet shrouded in mystery. Many fans are curious about him: Who is Baxter Neal Helson? Where is he now? What’s his relationship with his children? Let’s explore everything you need to know about this elusive figure.
Baxter Neal Helson: Quick Intro to His Life
Baxter Neal Helson was born and raised in the United States and lived most of his life away from the public eye. While his exact date of birth remains unknown, he gained some public attention through his marriage to Leticia “Tish” Cyrus, mother of pop sensation Miley Cyrus. Baxter is a musician by profession, known for his work as a drummer in his younger years. Despite his connection to the Cyrus family, he has largely stayed out of the spotlight, preferring a private lifestyle over fame.
Although his name often appears in searches related to Miley Cyrus, he has no direct ties to her apart from being her stepfather for a brief period before Tish remarried Billy Ray Cyrus.
Early Life of Baxter Neal Helson
Details about Baxter Neal Helson’s early life are scarce, but from what little information exists, we know he was born in Ashland, Kentucky, in the late 1960s. Growing up in a small town, Baxter developed a passion for music at a young age. He was particularly drawn to drumming, which became a major part of his identity and career later on. His interest in music likely connected him to Tish Cyrus, as they both shared an appreciation for creative expression.
Helson was reportedly an active member of the local music scene in Kentucky during his youth. His friends and acquaintances described him as a talented yet reserved person who loved his art but disliked unnecessary attention.
Marriage to Tish Cyrus: What Happened?
Baxter Neal Helson and Tish Cyrus’s relationship began in their teenage years. They married in 1986 when Tish was very young—reportedly just 19 years old. The couple seemed happy initially and shared two children together: Brandi Glenn Helson (now Brandi Cyrus) and Neil Timothy Helson (now Trace Cyrus).
Their marriage, however, was short-lived. By 1989, the couple had decided to part ways, and their divorce was finalized the same year. The reasons for their separation were not made public, but reports suggest irreconcilable differences and the challenges of marrying young contributed to their split.
How Many Kids Do They Have?
Baxter Neal Helson and Tish Cyrus share two biological children: Brandi and Trace. After the divorce, both children took the surname Cyrus when Tish married Billy Ray Cyrus. Billy Ray later adopted Brandi and Trace legally, and they became part of the Cyrus family unit.
They Share Two Kids: Brandi and Trace Cyrus
Brandi Cyrus (born 1987) is now a television personality, DJ, and co-host of a podcast. Trace Cyrus (born 1989) became a musician and was a member of the band Metro Station. Although Baxter is their biological father, both children publicly recognize Billy Ray as their dad due to his adoption and role in their lives.
Why Did They Divorce?
The exact reasons for Baxter and Tish’s divorce have never been detailed publicly. However, sources close to the family suggest that the pressures of young marriage and lifestyle differences played a significant role. Tish moved on and married Billy Ray Cyrus in 1993, solidifying a blended family that included Miley Cyrus.
Is Baxter Still in Touch With His Kids?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions about Baxter Neal Helson. Unfortunately, reports indicate that his relationship with Brandi and Trace Cyrus is minimal, if it exists at all. After Tish’s marriage to Billy Ray Cyrus, Baxter reportedly lost touch with his children over time.
Brandi and Trace have rarely mentioned Baxter in interviews or on social media. Both have spoken fondly of Billy Ray Cyrus as their father figure, which suggests Baxter hasn’t played an active role in their lives in recent years. Whether this distance is due to personal choice, geographic separation, or other factors remains unclear.
Baxter’s Career: Is He Still a Drummer?
During his younger years, Baxter Neal Helson worked as a drummer in the local music scene of Kentucky. He was passionate about music, but there’s little evidence that he pursued a professional career at a national or international level.
After his divorce, Baxter seemingly stepped away from the public music scene. It is not known if he continued playing drums privately or in local bands. His absence from social media and mainstream media coverage makes it difficult to track his current activities or professional life.
Where Is Baxter Neal Helson Now?
As of now, Baxter Neal Helson’s exact whereabouts are unknown. He appears to have chosen a life away from the limelight. Some reports claim he still resides somewhere in Kentucky or a nearby state, leading a quiet, private life. Others suggest he may have relocated entirely.
Facts About Baxter You May Not Know
- Baxter was only in his early 20s when he and Tish divorced.
- He is not active on any social media platforms.
- His children legally changed their last name from Helson to Cyrus after Billy Ray adopted them.
- Despite being Miley Cyrus’s stepfather briefly, he likely never met her.
- There are no confirmed public photos of him from recent years.
Did Baxter Ever Meet Miley Cyrus?
This is another question fans often ask. Since Baxter and Tish divorced years before Miley was born (1992), it’s unlikely that Baxter and Miley ever crossed paths. Miley was born after Tish’s relationship with Billy Ray Cyrus began. Therefore, Baxter was never involved in Miley’s upbringing and did not serve as a stepfather in any real sense.
What’s His Net Worth?
Estimating Baxter Neal Helson’s net worth is challenging because he has stayed away from public life for decades. However, as a former drummer and considering his relatively low profile, his net worth is likely modest compared to the Cyrus family. Some unverified reports suggest he may have a net worth in the range of $200,000 to $500,000, but there is no official confirmation.
The Bottom Line
Baxter Neal Helson remains an enigmatic figure despite his connection to one of the most famous families in the world. As the biological father of Brandi and Trace Cyrus and the first husband of Tish Cyrus, he played a role in the early chapters of the Cyrus family story. However, his decision to live a private life has kept him out of the spotlight for decades. While questions about his current life, career, and relationship with his children remain unanswered, one thing is clear: Baxter Neal Helson’s story adds an intriguing layer to the history of the Cyrus family.
