Where Is Baxter Neal Helson Now?: Everything About Tish Cyrus’s Ex-Husband

You’ve probably heard of Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Tish Cyrus — they’re big names in music and entertainment. But have you ever heard of Baxter Neal Helson? He might not be a celebrity, but he played an important role in the early years of the Cyrus family.

Baxter Neal Helson is the first husband of Tish Cyrus and the biological father of Brandi and Trace Cyrus. While his marriage didn’t last long, it left behind a legacy that shaped two talented children. Many people wonder: Who is Baxter? What happened to him? Where is he now?

In this article, we’ll take a close look at Baxter’s life — from his early days as a drummer in Kentucky to his quiet life now in Phoenix, Arizona. Let’s begin!

Baxter Neal Helson Quick Bio

Who Is Baxter Neal Helson?

Baxter Neal Helson is a professional drummer from Ashland, Kentucky. He became known to the public mostly because of his short marriage to Tish Cyrus, the mother of Miley Cyrus. But there’s much more to his story than just being “Tish’s ex-husband.”

He was never someone who wanted fame or a flashy lifestyle. Instead, Baxter spent his younger years building a music career. He had a deep love for drumming, and that passion stayed with him, even when his name stopped showing up in headlines.

Though he’s not often talked about today, Baxter Neal Helson still has an interesting life story that’s worth knowing, especially for those who follow the Cyrus family closely.

His Early Life in Kentucky

Baxter was born in January 1966 in Ashland, Kentucky, a small town with quiet streets and a close-knit community. Growing up in Ashland gave him a simple, grounded start in life. There’s not much public information about his parents or family background, but one thing is clear — music was a big part of his world from the very beginning.

As a kid, he loved rhythm and sound. He was drawn to drums early on and would spend hours practicing. He wasn’t in big music schools or famous bands, but he had talent and drive. People in his town noticed him for his energy and the way he could make music feel alive.

He started playing drums at local bars, school events, and small parties. Even though he wasn’t chasing fame, he was already living his dream — playing music and enjoying the simple moments.

How Baxter Neal Helson Fell in Love with Music?

For Baxter, music wasn’t just a hobby. It was a way to express himself. He found joy in creating beats, performing with friends, and feeling the crowd’s energy. This love for music would later shape his kids’ lives too, but we’ll get to that soon.

He became well-known in his hometown for playing at live shows, weddings, and other gatherings. He wasn’t on TV or touring the world, but people respected his talent. Music made him feel alive, and it gave him a purpose.

Even today, people who knew Baxter say he had a “cool energy” when he played the drums — the kind of vibe that made people stop and listen. His music journey wasn’t about fame. It was about feeling free.

Meeting and Marrying Tish Cyrus

Baxter met Tish Cyrus, whose full name is Leticia Jean Finley, when they were both teenagers. It happened at a local party in Kentucky. They connected right away, sharing laughs, small-town stories, and a similar love for music and fun.

They fell in love young and didn’t wait too long to take the next step. In 1986, when Baxter was 20 and Tish was 19, they got married. It was a young and hopeful start, just like many small-town love stories.

They didn’t have a big wedding, celebrity guests, or flashing cameras. Just two people starting a life together, excited about the future. But like many young couples, things didn’t go as planned.

Baxter Neal Helson’s Children – Brandi and Trace Cyrus

During their short marriage, Baxter and Tish had two children who would later become part of the famous Cyrus family.

Their first child, Brandi Cyrus, was born in 1987. She later became a TV host, actress, and DJ, known for her style and confidence. The second child, Trace Cyrus, was born in 1989. He followed a path closer to his dad, choosing music. Trace became a guitarist and singer in the band Metro Station, which became famous for songs like Shake It.

Both Brandi and Trace have spoken about how Baxter’s love for music influenced their lives. Even though he didn’t stay in the spotlight, his passion helped shape two future stars.

The Short Marriage and Divorce

Even though Baxter and Tish started strong, life wasn’t easy. They were very young, trying to raise kids while also figuring out who they were as adults. By 1989, just three years after getting married, they decided to separate.

Their divorce was quiet, without media drama or big fights in public. But behind the scenes, there were challenges, especially when it came to raising their kids.

Still, Baxter stayed present in some ways, and the kids continued to grow up surrounded by music. After the divorce, Tish went on to marry Billy Ray Cyrus, and the family’s fame began to grow quickly.

The Custody Battle and What Happened Next

After the divorce in 1989, Baxter Neal Helson and Tish Cyrus both wanted custody of their two children, Brandi and Trace. The case went to court, and it wasn’t easy for either side. Both parents wanted what was best for the kids.

In the end, the court gave full custody to Tish Cyrus. But Baxter wasn’t completely cut out. He was allowed to visit the kids regularly and keep in touch with them by phone. This gave him a chance to still be part of their lives, even though they weren’t living with him full-time.

Later on, when Tish married Billy Ray Cyrus, he adopted Brandi and Trace. That’s when the kids took the Cyrus last name. This step gave the children more stability, but it also meant Baxter had to let go of some of his rights as their father.

Baxter Neal Helson’s Life After the Divorce

After the custody case, Baxter decided to move forward with his life. He left Kentucky and started a new chapter in Phoenix, Arizona. Unlike his former wife, who was becoming more known in the entertainment world, Baxter chose a private and quiet life.

He didn’t go on talk shows. He didn’t post his life online. Instead, he focused on the things he loved — like music, peace, and staying away from the spotlight. Many people lost track of him after the 1990s, which is why today, so many are still asking: “Where is Baxter Neal Helson now?”

Even though Baxter kept his distance from fame, he never left music behind. He’s believed to have continued playing drums with local bands, doing small gigs in the Phoenix area. For him, music was not a way to get famous — it was a way to stay happy.

Where Is Baxter Neal Helson Now?

As of 2025, Baxter Neal Helson is living a very private life in Phoenix. He stays out of the news, away from social media, and does not appear in public with his famous family. That’s how he likes it — calm, simple, and peaceful.

Some sources say he still plays music for fun, and he enjoys hobbies like photography and quiet travel. There is no record of him getting married again, and he seems happy living alone, doing things on his own terms.

Even though he’s no longer part of the famous Cyrus household, Baxter Neal Helson’s name still comes up when people talk about Brandi and Trace’s early life. That’s because he was the one who introduced them to music, something they’ve both turned into full careers.

How His Children Remember Him

Brandi and Trace Cyrus have both mentioned their dad, Baxter, in interviews before. While they were mostly raised by Tish and Billy Ray, they still remember their early years with Baxter. His love for drumming and rhythm became a big part of their childhood.

Brandi Cyrus now works as a DJ and podcast host. She’s often praised for her musical sense and creative energy — qualities that many say she got from her dad. Trace Cyrus followed a path even closer to Baxter’s. He became a guitarist and singer in the band Metro Station, gaining fame with hits like Shake It.

Even if Baxter wasn’t around every day, his early influence stayed with them. And that shows just how powerful a parent’s quiet passion can be.

Baxter Neal Helson’s Net Worth in 2025

Baxter never became a big-name celebrity, but he still managed to build a steady life. His estimated net worth in 2025 is between $500,000 and $1.2 million.

Most of this came from his work as a professional drummer. Over the years, he likely played hundreds of gigs, helped other musicians, and stayed active in local music scenes. While there’s no record of big music contracts, Baxter always worked hard and stayed true to what he loved.

That’s the key to his story — he didn’t chase the spotlight, but he still built a life doing what made him happy.

Final Thoughts

Baxter Neal Helson might not be a household name, but his story is still worth telling. He was the first husband of Tish Cyrus, the father of Brandi and Trace Cyrus, and a man who loved music more than fame.

He stayed in the background while others took the stage. But sometimes, the people who inspire us most are the quiet ones — the ones who play the drums, support from a distance, and live life their own way.

So, where is Baxter Neal Helson now? He’s still here — living a calm and private life in Phoenix, far from Hollywood. And even though he chose the quiet path, his story remains a meaningful part of the famous Cyrus family history.

(FAQs)

Who was Tish Cyrus’s first husband?

Tish Cyrus’s first husband was Baxter Neal Helson, a local drummer from Kentucky. They got married as teenagers in 1986 and divorced just three years later — a fact many people don’t even know!

How many children did Baxter Neal Helson have with Tish?

He had two children with Tish Cyrus — Brandi Cyrus and Trace Cyrus. Shocking to many, both were later adopted by Billy Ray Cyrus and took his last name.

What was Baxter Neal Helson like when he was young?

As a young man, Baxter was known for playing drums at local bars and parties in Kentucky. He was just 20 years old when he married Tish, and already a skilled performer in his town.

What is Baxter Neal Helson’s net worth in 2025?

Even without fame, Baxter’s estimated net worth in 2025 is between $500,000 and $1.2 million, earned from years of playing music and living modestly, which surprises many who forgot about him.

How old is Baxter Neal Helson, and when was he born?

Baxter Neal Helson was born in January 1966, making him 59 years old in 2025 — almost 60, and still living a quiet life in Phoenix, Arizona.