Meet Baxter Neal Helson: Tish Cyrus’s Ex and Father of Brandi and Trace

Have you ever heard of Baxter Neal Helson? Many people know him as the first husband of Tish Cyrus, the mother of Miley Cyrus. But there is more to him than just being part of a famous family. Baxter is a talented drummer who spent his younger years playing music in Kentucky. He is also the father of Brandi Cyrus and Trace Cyrus, both of whom are successful in the entertainment world.

In this article, we will take a closer look at Baxter Neal Helson’s life. We’ll talk about his early years, his love for music, his marriage to Tish Cyrus, and the children they raised together. If you’ve ever wondered about this quiet man who played a big role in the early years of the Cyrus family, you’re in the right place.

Baxter Neal Helson Quick Bio

Who Is Baxter Neal Helson?

Baxter Neal Helson is not a celebrity like Miley or Billy Ray Cyrus, but his story is still interesting. He is a professional drummer from Ashland, Kentucky, who gained attention because of his marriage to Tish Cyrus. Their marriage may have been short, but it gave the world two talented children, Brandi and Trace Cyrus.

What makes Baxter’s story special is that, even though he lived in the shadow of a famous family, he stayed true to himself. He never wanted the spotlight or the fame that came with the Cyrus name. Instead, he chose to live quietly and focus on what he loves — music.

Baxter Neal Helson’s Early Life

Baxter was born in January 1966 in Ashland, Kentucky. This small town, with its friendly people and quiet streets, is where he grew up and found his passion for music. Not much is known about his parents or siblings, but his love for drumming started early.

As a young boy, Baxter was drawn to rhythm. He would spend hours practicing and trying to master the beats he heard in his favorite songs. While other kids were busy playing sports, Baxter was busy with his drumsticks, creating his own world of music.

His Love for Music

For Baxter, music was never just a hobby — it was part of who he was. By the time he was a teenager, he was playing drums at small parties, school events, and local bars. People in his hometown knew him as a passionate and talented drummer.

Even though he wasn’t famous, Baxter’s drumming had its own charm. He wasn’t trying to chase big record deals or Hollywood fame. He simply loved the energy of live music and the joy it brought to people. This passion for music would later inspire his children, who followed their own paths in the entertainment industry.

Meeting Tish Cyrus

Life has a way of surprising us, and that’s what happened when Baxter met Leticia Jean Finley, better known as Tish Cyrus. The two met at a local party in Kentucky when they were still teenagers. They connected instantly, sharing small-town stories, laughs, and dreams of the future.

Their young love grew quickly. Baxter was just 20 years old, and Tish was 19 when they decided to get married. It was a simple, sweet beginning. They didn’t have the fame or luxury that Tish later experienced with Billy Ray Cyrus. Back then, it was just two young people in love, ready to start a life together.

Baxter and Tish’s Marriage Story

In 1986, Baxter and Tish officially became husband and wife. Like many young couples, they were full of dreams but also faced challenges. They soon became parents, which changed their lives completely. Their daughter Brandi Cyrus was born in 1987, and two years later, they welcomed their son, Trace Cyrus.

Being young parents was not easy. Baxter continued playing music while Tish focused on raising their children. The stress of balancing work, family, and personal life eventually started affecting their marriage. After just three years together, Baxter and Tish decided to separate and divorce in 1989.

Even though their marriage ended, Baxter remained a part of his children’s lives. His love for Brandi and Trace never changed, even as life took them on very different paths.

Baxter Neal Helson’s Children

Baxter may not be in the spotlight, but his kids certainly are. Both Brandi and Trace have made names for themselves in music and entertainment, and much of that can be traced back to their father’s influence.

Brandi Cyrus was born in 1987. She is now a well-known DJ, TV host, and actress. She starred in the reality show Cyrus vs. Cyrus: Design and Conquer and also co-hosts a podcast. Brandi has often said that growing up around music, thanks to her dad, inspired her to build her own career.

Trace Cyrus, born in 1989, followed in his father’s footsteps more directly. He became a guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He is best known as a member of the band Metro Station, which gained fame with their hit song Shake It. Trace’s rock star style and passion for music clearly reflect Baxter’s early influence.

The Custody Battle After Divorce

When Baxter Neal Helson and Tish Cyrus divorced in 1989, life became very different for both of them. One of the hardest parts was deciding who would raise their two children, Brandi and Trace. Both Baxter and Tish loved their kids deeply, but the court had to step in to make the final decision.

In the end, Tish was given full custody of Brandi and Trace. Baxter was still allowed to visit them and talk to them over the phone. While this was not easy for him, he respected the decision and tried to stay in touch with his children as much as possible. It wasn’t long before Billy Ray Cyrus entered the picture, and life for the children changed again.

How Billy Ray Cyrus Became a Father Figure

After her divorce, Tish married country music star Billy Ray Cyrus in 1993. Billy Ray legally adopted Brandi and Trace, and they soon became known by the Cyrus family name. While Baxter Neal Helson remained their biological father, Billy Ray’s fame and lifestyle gave the kids a new world of opportunities.

Even though Baxter wasn’t as visible in their lives as Billy Ray, his early influence on Brandi and Trace’s love for music never went away. Trace, especially, has mentioned that his passion for music came from his dad’s drumming skills and creative energy.

Baxter Neal Helson’s Life After the Divorce

After separating from Tish, Baxter Neal Helson chose to live a private and simple life. He moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where he could focus on himself and his love for music. Unlike his famous ex-wife and children, Baxter never looked for fame or attention.

He is believed to have continued playing drums for local bands, enjoying smaller gigs and events. Baxter was always more about passion than popularity, and that’s something many people admire about him. Over time, he stepped out of the public eye completely, which is why not much is known about his life today.

Where Is Baxter Neal Helson Now?

As of 2025, Baxter lives a quiet life in Phoenix. He stays away from social media and does not appear in public events. Many people are curious about him because of his connection to the Cyrus family, but Baxter seems to enjoy staying out of the spotlight.

Some reports say he still plays music for fun and enjoys simple hobbies like photography and travel. While there’s no public information about him remarrying or starting another family, it’s clear that he’s content with the calm life he leads now.

Baxter’s Net Worth and Career

Baxter Neal Helson may not be a big name in the music industry, but his years as a drummer helped him build a comfortable life. His net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 and $1.2 million. This money mostly comes from his work as a drummer and small gigs he’s done over the years.

Unlike many others connected to Hollywood, Baxter never relied on fame or big contracts. He worked quietly, did what he loved, and created a stable life for himself. This is something that makes his story stand out.

Baxter’s Influence on Brandi and Trace Cyrus

Even though Baxter was not always in the spotlight, his impact on Brandi and Trace is clear. Brandi’s career as a DJ and TV host shows her creative side, while Trace’s success in the band Metro Station reflects his father’s love for music.

Both of his children have often talked about growing up around music and how it shaped who they are today. It’s fair to say that Baxter’s love for drumming was passed down to them, even if he wasn’t always there on stage to see it happen.

Final Thoughts

Baxter Neal Helson might not be a household name, but his story is an important part of the Cyrus family’s history. He was there before the fame, sharing his love of music with his kids, who would later find success in their own ways.

Today, Baxter lives quietly in Phoenix, far from Hollywood and the spotlight. While Tish, Miley, and Billy Ray are well-known around the world, Baxter’s legacy is felt through the talent of Brandi and Trace. His journey shows that even without fame, you can still leave a meaningful mark.

(FAQs)

Who was Tish Cyrus’s first husband?

Many people don’t know that Tish Cyrus’s first husband was Baxter Neal Helson, a drummer from Kentucky, long before she married Billy Ray Cyrus.

How many kids does Baxter Neal Helson have?

Baxter is the biological father of Brandi Cyrus and Trace Cyrus, who were later adopted by Billy Ray Cyrus after Tish’s second marriage.

What was Baxter Neal Helson like when he was young?

As a young man, Baxter was known for his charm and talent as a local drummer, often playing at bars and parties in Kentucky.

What is Baxter Neal Helson’s net worth?

Surprisingly, despite living a quiet life, Baxter’s net worth is estimated between $500,000 and $1.2 million as of 2025.

How old is Baxter Neal Helson, and when is his birthday?

Baxter was born in January 1966, making him 59 years old in 2025.

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