Baxter Neal Helson is a drummer from Ashland, Kentucky, who became known through his marriage to Tish Cyrus and as the biological father of Brandi and Trace Cyrus. Born in December 1966, he developed a love for music early in life and built his reputation by performing as a skilled drummer in local bands and community events.
Although he never sought fame for himself, his connection to the Cyrus family placed his name in the public eye, linking him to world-famous figures like Billy Ray Cyrus, Miley Cyrus, and Noah Cyrus. Unlike them, Baxter has always chosen to live quietly, keeping his life private while still being remembered for his passion for music and the influence he passed on to his children.
Profile Summary
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Baxter Neal Helson |
| Date of Birth | December 1966 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 59 years old |
| Birthplace | Ashland, Kentucky, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Drummer, Musician |
| Known For | First husband of Tish Cyrus, father of Brandi Cyrus and Trace Cyrus |
| Ex-Wife | Leticia “Tish” Finley (1986–1989) |
| Children | Brandi Cyrus (1987), Trace Cyrus (1989) |
| Residence | Phoenix, Arizona, USA |
| Net Worth (2024) | Estimated between $500,000 – $1.2 million |
| Social Media | Not active / Private |
Early Life and Background
Baxter Neal Helson was born in December 1966 and grew up in Ashland, Kentucky, a small town where he discovered his love for music at a young age. While details about his parents or schooling remain private, it is well known that Baxter developed a passion for drumming early on, spending countless hours practising and perfecting his rhythm.
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His dedication quickly stood out, and by his teenage years, he was already performing at local gatherings, parties, and bars where people admired his natural talent and energy. Growing up in a close-knit community allowed him to share his gift for music, and those early experiences not only shaped his career as a drummer but also became an essential part of the identity he carried into adulthood.
How Old Is Baxter Neal Helson, and How Does He Look?
Baxter Neal Helson was born in December 1966, which makes him 59 years old as of 2025. Although his age is known, his appearance is not widely shared, as he has always maintained a private life. There are very few public photos of him since he avoids social media and media events. Still, it is said that he has a relaxed and straightforward style, often choosing casual clothes like jeans and t-shirts that match his laid-back personality as a musician.
Career in Music
Baxter Neal Helson built his career around his passion for drumming, becoming well-known in his hometown of Ashland, Kentucky, for his skill and dedication to music. He mostly performed with local bands at bars, parties, and community events, where his energetic rhythms made him a respected figure in the local music scene.
While he never became a mainstream celebrity or toured the world, his talent as a drummer earned him recognition among those who enjoyed live performances, and he continued to play for the love of music rather than fame, leaving a lasting impression on his community and inspiring his children to follow creative paths of their own.
Meeting Tish Cyrus
Baxter Neal Helson’s relationship with Leticia “Tish” Finley, who later became widely known as Tish Cyrus, began when they were teenagers in Kentucky. Their young love quickly grew into marriage in 1986 when Baxter was 19 and Tish was 18. Their early years together were filled with excitement and hope, and soon they welcomed two children: Brandi in 1987 and Trace in 1989. However, being so young and facing the responsibilities of family life brought challenges they struggled to overcome.
After only three years of marriage, their relationship ended in 1989. Although the divorce was difficult, especially with custody disputes that followed, it marked a turning point that forever tied Baxter to the Cyrus family story, even as both he and Tish moved forward in different directions.
Who Is Tish Cyrus?
Tish Cyrus, born Leticia Jean Finley on 15 May 1967, is an American producer and manager who is best known as the mother of Miley Cyrus and as the driving force behind much of her children’s success in entertainment. She was first married to Baxter Neal Helson, with whom she had two children, Brandi and Trace, before later marrying country singer Billy Ray Cyrus in 1993, a relationship that further connected her to fame.
Over the years, she managed Miley’s career, co-produced movies, and became recognised as both a businesswoman and the matriarch of the Cyrus family. In 2023, she married actor Dominic Purcell, maintaining her presence in the media as someone who balances family life with a career in the entertainment industry.
Children: Brandi and Trace Cyrus
Brandi Cyrus
Brandi Cyrus, born on 26 May 1987, is the daughter of Baxter Neal Helson and Tish Cyrus and was later adopted by Billy Ray Cyrus after his marriage to Tish. She has built a diverse career in entertainment as a DJ, television host, actress, and podcaster, making a name for herself outside of the shadow of her famous family.
Brandi co-hosted the home design show Cyrus vs. Cyrus: Design and Conquer and also runs the podcast Your FFavouriteThing, where she shares her personality and interests with fans. Much like her brother Trace, Brandi was influenced by her father’s love for music, which helped spark her own passion for creativity and performance.
Trace Cyrus
Trace Cyrus, born on 24 February 1989, is the son of Baxter Neal Helson and Tish Cyrus and was later adopted by Billy Ray Cyrus. He followed in his father’s musical footsteps and became the guitarist and vocalist for the band Metro Station, gaining fame with the hit song “Shake It.” Known for his bold rock style and heavily tattooed image, Trace has built a successful career in music while carrying forward the passion for creativity he inherited from his father.
Custody Battles and Life After Divorce
When Baxter Neal Helson and Tish Cyrus divorced in 1989, their split was followed by brutal custody battles over their two young children, Brandi and Trace. The court eventually granted Tish primary custody while Baxter received visitation rights, allowing him to remain a part of his children’s lives even though they were primarily raised in their mother’s home.
In 1993, when Tish married country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, Billy Ray adopted Brandi and Trace, officially giving them the Cyrus name and raising them as part of his family, which soon grew to include Miley and Noah Cyrus. After the divorce, Baxter moved to Phoenix, Arizona, to continue his life away from the constant attention that surrounded the Cyrus family, focusing instead on his music and personal growth while maintaining a more private and quiet lifestyle.
Where He Lives Now
Today, Baxter Neal Helson lives in Phoenix, Arizona, where he enjoys a private and peaceful lifestyle far from fame and celebrity culture. Unlike the rest of the Cyrus family, who often make headlines, Baxter has no known social media accounts and avoids public appearances, making him a very private figure. Reports suggest that he still enjoys music and spends time on hobbies such as photography and travel, opting to live a life centred on personal happiness rather than public attention.
His privacy preference has kept him out of the spotlight, but his influence continues to be felt through his children and the legacy of music that he passed on to them. In many ways, his quiet life reflects his character, a man who values peace and personal joy over the pressures of fame.
Net Worth and Financial Life
Baxter has led a steady and straightforward life, reflecting his dedication to music and personal stability. His estimated net worth falls between $500,000 and $1.2 million as of 2024, a result of his years as a drummer and his careful approach to life. Unlike his ex-wife and her later family members, who gained great wealth through entertainment careers, Baxter never pursued fame for financial gain.
Instead, his earnings came from his steady work in local music scenes and possibly other private ventures. His financial standing demonstrates that he has built a comfortable lifestyle for himself without being entangled in celebrity culture, proving that success can be measured in many ways, not just by fame or fortune.
Connection to the Cyrus Family Fame
Although Baxter chose a quiet life, his name will always remain linked to the famous Cyrus family because of his marriage to Tish and his role as the biological father of Brandi and Trace. His children became part of the Cyrus legacy when Billy Ray Cyrus adopted them, and this connection forever tied Baxter to one of America’s most well-known entertainment families.
While he does not appear in their public lives or stories often, his influence is still there in the form of the music and creativity that Brandi and Trace carry on. Through them, his presence continues to be felt, even though he has chosen to remain in the background.
Legacy and Reflection
Baxter Neal Helson’s legacy rests in his quiet influence as a drummer and father rather than in public fame. His passion for music inspired his children, Brandi and Trace, to follow creative paths in entertainment, carrying his love for rhythm into their own careers. Although his marriage to Tish Cyrus was short and he has chosen a private life away from the spotlight, his story reflects resilience, dedication, and the lasting impact a parent can have, even without living in front of cameras.
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Conclusion
Baxter Neal Helson may not be a celebrity, but his life tells the story of a man who followed his love for music, became a father to two successful children, and chose a quiet path away from the spotlight. His marriage to Tish Cyrus connected him to one of the most famous families in America, yet he remained true to his private nature, living peacefully in Phoenix, Arizona. Through his drumming and the influence he passed on to Brandi and Trace, Baxter left a mark that shows how even a simple life lived with passion and dedication can create a lasting legacy.
FAQs About Baxter Neal Helson
Who is Baxter Neal Helson?
Baxter Neal Helson is an American drummer best known as the first husband of Tish Cyrus and the biological father of Brandi and Trace Cyrus.
How old is Baxter Neal Helson?
He was born in December 1966, making him 59 years old as of 2025.
Who are Baxter Neal Helson’s children?
He has two children with Tish Cyrus — Brandi Cyrus, a DJ and TV host, and Trace Cyrus, a musician best known from the band Metro Station.
Where does Baxter Neal Helson live now?
Baxter currently lives a private life in Phoenix, Arizona, away from the spotlight and social media.
What is Baxter Neal Helson’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 and $1.2 million, earned mainly from his music career and personal ventures.
