Billy Ray Cyrus Reveals 2024 Sepsis Battle and Subsequent Temporary Vocal Paralysis
Billy Ray Cyrus has disclosed that he suffered a near-fatal bout of sepsis in 2024 that led to temporary vocal paralysis, leaving him unable to sing or speak. The 64-year-old country singer described the ordeal as a 'very broken moment' in his life, crediting a miraculous recovery, his grandson Bear's encouragement, and daughter Noah Cyrus's music for helping him through. He is now releasing his first album of new material in over a decade, 'The Hill,' on June 16.
Billy Ray Cyrus opened up in a new People magazine interview about a serious health crisis in 2024 in which he contracted sepsis and nearly died, subsequently developing temporary vocal paralysis that left him unable to talk or sing. Cyrus described his body 'blowing up' with toxicity and said he was sent home from the hospital at one point, fearing a rupture that doctors warned could be fatal. He recounted praying repeatedly at a 'prayer rock' for a miracle, and said that when he returned to the hospital for what was expected to be a final surgery, doctors told him the condition had resolved on its own. During his recovery, Cyrus said he found solace in listening repeatedly to Noah Cyrus's 2025 song 'Don't Put It All On Me,' written by his son Braison, crediting it with helping save him. A pivotal moment came when his 5-year-old grandson Bear — who had never previously spoken to him — looked at him and said 'Try again,' which Cyrus described as a turning point. The health scare coincided with a turbulent personal period that included his divorce from third wife Firerose and a family estrangement, though Cyrus says he has since mended fences with his children. He is now releasing 'The Hill' on June 16, his first album of new material in over a decade, with Braison Cyrus serving as a producer and co-writer on several tracks.
What's missing
No medical details about the specific nature or cause of the sepsis have been disclosed, and it is unclear what type of vocal paralysis Cyrus experienced or what treatment he received.
How coverage differed
Rolling Stone focused primarily on the emotional narrative around grandson Bear and the upcoming album, while the New York Post and Fox News emphasized the more dramatic physical details of the near-death experience, including Cyrus's quotes about his body 'blowing up' and the last-minute surgical reprieve. Fox News additionally provided broader career context and noted Cyrus's family reconciliation more prominently.
What different sources said
- Fox NewsRight
Billy Ray Cyrus cheated death during sepsis, vocal paralysis battle before staging music comeback
- New York PostRight
Billy Ray Cyrus ‘almost died’ during shocking health scare
- Rolling StoneLeft
Billy Ray Cyrus Reveals He Suffered Temporary Vocal Paralysis After a Near-Fatal Battle With Sepsis
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