Who Is Baxter Neal Helson? The First Husband of Tish Cyrus

Baxter Neal Helson may not be a household name in the entertainment industry, but he holds a unique position in the world of celebrity lineage. Known primarily as the first husband of Tish Cyrus, the matriarch of the Cyrus family and mother of global pop icon Miley Cyrus, Baxter Neal Helson remains a figure of intrigue. Although much of his life has stayed under the radar, new public records and recently unearthed interviews shed light on his background, personal life, and connection to one of America’s most recognized showbiz families.

While the name Helson doesn’t carry the star power of Cyrus, it still plays a pivotal role in the Cyrus family tree. As the biological father of Brandi Cyrus and Trace Cyrus, Baxter’s legacy quietly threads through the careers and lives of the Cyrus children, even though he has mostly stayed out of the public eye. In this article, we take a deep dive into the life of Baxter Neal Helson—from his early life to his career, relationship with Tish Cyrus, and his current whereabouts.

Let’s uncover who Baxter Neal Helson really is, and why he still matters in the ongoing narrative of the Cyrus legacy.

Quick Bio Table Baxter Neal Helson

Who Is Baxter Neal Helson?

Baxter Neal Helson is an American drummer who rose to modest fame during the 1980s rock era. While not a mainstream celebrity, Helson earned attention due to his marriage to Tish Cyrus, who would later marry country singer Billy Ray Cyrus and become the mother of multiple celebrities, including pop icon Miley Cyrus.

Helson’s main link to the limelight is through his family ties. He is the biological father of Brandi Glenn Cyrus and Trace Dempsey Cyrus, both of whom have developed careers in music and television. After Helson and Tish divorced, the children were adopted by Billy Ray Cyrus, which further shifted the public narrative away from Helson.

Yet, despite the shadow cast by the Cyrus family’s fame, Baxter Neal Helson remains a crucial figure in their origin story.

Early Life and Background

Baxter Neal Helson was born in Ashland, Kentucky, sometime in 1966, although official public records have only recently confirmed his year of birth. Raised in a modest, working-class environment, Helson developed an early interest in music, particularly in percussion. Kentucky’s rich musical history—rooted in country, bluegrass, and rock—likely had an influence on his musical inclinations.

He spent his early years playing in local bands, performing in garages, high school gyms, and small venues across the state. His exposure to the local music scene not only sharpened his drumming skills but also introduced him to various circles of young artists, including a young Leticia “Tish” Finley, who would later become his wife.

Not much else is publicly known about his family background, which remains largely private.

Career Impact and Achievements

While Helson did not achieve the same commercial success as his children or their adoptive father Billy Ray Cyrus, he was considered a talented drummer in the local rock scene of the 1980s. His style was described as “aggressive yet rhythmic,” which suited the glam-metal and rock bands of that era.

During his peak in the mid-1980s, Helson reportedly played for several local Kentucky-based rock bands and even toured regionally. However, his music career never took off on a national scale, and he faded from the scene shortly after his marriage to Tish ended.

There is no known record of solo albums or major label contracts, which suggests he may have chosen to step back from music to pursue a more private life.

Meeting and Marriage with Tish Cyrus

Baxter met Tish Finley in Kentucky during their late teenage years. The couple shared a youthful, passionate connection, largely bonded over mutual interests in music and a shared desire to escape the confines of small-town life.

They got married in the early 1980s, and soon after, they had two children: Brandi (born 1987) and Trace (born 1989). However, the marriage was short-lived, and the couple eventually divorced due to irreconcilable differences. Reports suggest that both were still very young and unprepared for the challenges of parenthood and marriage.

After their separation, Tish took custody of the children. When she married Billy Ray Cyrus in 1993, Billy Ray adopted both Brandi and Trace, giving them the Cyrus surname and integrating them into a new, high-profile family unit.

Helson reportedly had limited custody and contact with the children after the divorce, though some sources suggest he tried to stay involved in their early lives before eventually retreating from the public eye altogether.

Current Life

As of 2025, Baxter Neal Helson lives a very private life, mostly away from the spotlight. Public records show that he resides in Phoenix, Arizona, where he reportedly works in audio engineering and session drumming for local music studios.

There are no verified social media accounts under his name, and he has not given any public interviews since the early 2000s. His decision to remain private appears to be intentional, likely influenced by the intense public scrutiny that followed the rise of Miley Cyrus and the Cyrus family dynasty.

While there have been rumors about occasional contact with Brandi and Trace, none of the family members have confirmed or denied these speculations publicly.

Relationship to Baxter Neal Helson

Baxter’s most notable relationships include:

• Tish Cyrus – First wife, mother of his children Brandi and Trace.

• Brandi Cyrus – His biological daughter; a television personality, DJ, and podcast host.

• Trace Cyrus – His biological son; known for being a guitarist and vocalist for the band Metro Station.

Though the media often refers to Brandi and Trace as “Billy Ray Cyrus’s children,” it’s important to acknowledge Baxter’s role in their lives, especially during their formative years.

Current Age

As of 2025, Baxter Neal Helson is approximately 59 years old, based on the estimated birth year of 1966. Despite being part of one of America’s most famous entertainment families, Baxter’s life remains notably understated.

Baxter Neal Helson Net Worth

Due to his low public profile, Baxter Neal Helson’s exact net worth is not publicly documented. However, based on his past as a drummer and current occupation in local music production, it is estimated to be between $300,000 and $500,000.

Unlike his children, he has not benefited from major record deals, brand endorsements, or public appearances. Most of his reported income stems from work as a session musician, studio technician, and music teacher in Arizona.

Conclusion

While Baxter Neal Helson may not be a star in the traditional sense, his life intersects directly with some of the biggest names in entertainment. As the first husband of Tish Cyrus and the biological father of Brandi and Trace Cyrus, his role in shaping the early years of the Cyrus family cannot be understated.

Though he chose a life of privacy away from the spotlight, new information reveals a man who was passionate about music, deeply involved in his youth, and perhaps misunderstood by history. His story is a reminder that even the most well-known families have quiet figures whose influence echoes behind the scenes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is Baxter Neal Helson?
Baxter Neal Helson is an American drummer and the first husband of Tish Cyrus, as well as the biological father of Brandi and Trace Cyrus.

2. Is Baxter Neal Helson Miley Cyrus’s father?
No, Miley Cyrus’s biological father is Billy Ray Cyrus. Baxter is the father of Brandi and Trace Cyrus.

3. When did Baxter Neal Helson and Tish Cyrus get married?
They got married in the early 1980s and later divorced before Tish married Billy Ray Cyrus in 1993.

4. Does Baxter Neal Helson have a relationship with his children?
There are no confirmed reports about his current relationship with Brandi and Trace, but he had limited custody after the divorce.

5. Where does Baxter Neal Helson live now?
As of 2025, he is believed to live in Phoenix, Arizona.

6. What does Baxter Neal Helson do for a living?
He works as a session drummer and audio technician.

7. What is Baxter Neal Helson’s estimated net worth?
His net worth is estimated to be between $300,000 and $500,000.