Introduction
In the world of celebrity culture, some names remain in the spotlight for decades, while others slip quietly into the background. Baxter Neal Helson is one such figure. While he is not a mainstream celebrity, his name is often mentioned in connection with the Cyrus family—one of the most famous families in American entertainment. Helson is primarily known as the first husband of Tish Cyrus, the mother of Miley Cyrus, and as the biological father of Brandi and Trace Cyrus.
But who really is Baxter Neal Helson? What is his life story, how old is he, what is his net worth, and what are his relationships like today? This comprehensive article takes a closer look at his biography, personal life, and his connections with the Cyrus family, all while piecing together the facts available from different reports and biographies online.
Who Is Baxter Neal Helson?
Baxter Neal Helson is an American drummer and musician, born in 1966 in Ashland, Kentucky. His reputation is not tied to major musical fame, but rather to his early marriage to Leticia “Tish” Finley, who would later become Tish Cyrus after marrying country singer Billy Ray Cyrus.
Helson developed a passion for music in his early life, reportedly excelling as a drummer. Although not much information about his band affiliations or professional career is available in public records, he was locally respected in his community as a talented drummer. Unlike many figures who pursue fame aggressively, Helson has lived much of his life outside the public spotlight, maintaining a relatively private existence even after being linked to one of America’s most famous showbiz families.
Baxter Neal Helson’s Age
Baxter Neal Helson was born in 1966, with some sources specifically citing January 21, 1966 as his birthday. Other reports claim his birth may have been in December of the same year.
As of 2025, that makes Helson 59 years old. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the exact date of his birth, most sources consistently agree on 1966 as the year.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Ashland, Kentucky, Baxter developed a love for music. His interest in percussion and rhythm led him to become a drummer, a role he carried throughout his younger years. Unlike his children who later became part of the entertainment industry, Helson never reached international recognition for his craft. Instead, he lived more as a behind-the-scenes figure, channeling his energy into family and music without seeking media attention.
Kentucky in the 1980s was a place of rich country music traditions, and it was in this cultural setting that Helson met and married Tish Finley. This marriage would change the course of his life and forever link his name with the Cyrus family.
Marriage to Tish Cyrus
Baxter Neal Helson married Leticia Jean “Tish” Finley in 1986. At the time, both were young and living in Kentucky. Their union did not last long, but it was significant in shaping the family that would later become world-famous.
The couple stayed married for only about three years before divorcing in 1989. While the exact reasons for their separation are private, reports suggest that the marriage faced difficulties that ultimately led them to part ways.
Despite the divorce, the marriage produced two children: Brandi Glenn Helson (now Brandi Cyrus) and Neil Timothy Helson (now Trace Cyrus). These children would later be legally adopted by Billy Ray Cyrus after Tish married him, becoming Brandi Cyrus and Trace Cyrus—names now familiar to music and television fans alike.
Children of Baxter Neal Helson
One of the most defining aspects of Helson’s life is his role as the father of two children who went on to achieve significant public attention:
1. Brandi Cyrus
Born on May 26, 1987, Brandi is a media personality, DJ, and co-host of popular podcasts. She has made television appearances and carved out her own space in the entertainment industry outside of her famous step-sister Miley Cyrus.
2. Trace Cyrus
Born on February 24, 1989, Trace is a musician and guitarist known for being part of the band Metro Station, which gained popularity in the mid-2000s with hits like Shake It. He continues to make music and remains a notable figure in the music industry.
Both Brandi and Trace were legally adopted by Billy Ray Cyrus, who married Tish in 1993. Although their surname changed, they remain the biological children of Baxter Neal Helson.
Relationship with His Children
While Helson is their biological father, it is widely reported that Brandi and Trace were raised primarily under the Cyrus household. This has led to speculation that Baxter Neal Helson had limited involvement in their upbringing after the divorce. Reports from celebrity biographies suggest that the children’s closeness with Billy Ray Cyrus overshadowed their relationship with Helson.
Despite this, Baxter remains their biological parent, and his role in their early life was important, even if the public spotlight shifted toward their life in the Cyrus family.
Life After Divorce
Following the end of his marriage to Tish Cyrus, Baxter Neal Helson largely withdrew from public life. Some reports claim he later moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where he continued to live quietly. Unlike Tish, who remarried into one of country music’s most famous families, Helson never pursued remarriage that gained public attention.
His decision to stay away from media glare has made him a relatively mysterious figure. There are no confirmed public records of him marrying again or having more children after Brandi and Trace.
Baxter Neal Helson’s Net Worth
The question of Baxter Neal Helson’s net worth is one of speculation, as he is not a public figure with accessible financial disclosures. However, several online sources estimate his net worth to be between $500,000 and $1.2 million.
This figure likely comes from a combination of his past work as a drummer, personal investments, and perhaps financial arrangements related to his divorce. Compared to the immense wealth associated with the Cyrus family, Helson’s reported net worth is modest. Still, it reflects a comfortable lifestyle for someone who has chosen to live outside the constant glare of fame.
Physical Appearance and Personality
Descriptions of Baxter Neal Helson usually include his height at 5 feet 8 inches (172 cm), blonde hair, and brown or dark eyes. Beyond physical attributes, accounts describe him as someone who is passionate about music but introverted in terms of publicity.
Unlike many celebrity-linked figures who attempt to capitalize on fame, Helson’s personality and lifestyle choices appear to lean toward privacy. This could explain why there is so little publicly verifiable information about him today.
Baxter Neal Helson’s Relations
The most notable relations Baxter Neal Helson has are through his children’s connection to the Cyrus family. While his marriage to Tish ended decades ago, the bond created through Brandi and Trace links him forever to Billy Ray Cyrus, Miley Cyrus, and the broader Cyrus family.
- Ex-Wife: Tish Cyrus (Leticia Jean Finley), later married Billy Ray Cyrus.
- Children: Brandi Cyrus and Trace Cyrus.
- Step-Relations via Adoption: Billy Ray Cyrus (stepfather of his children), Miley Cyrus (step-sister to his children).
Although Helson himself is not a part of the Cyrus household, his bloodline connects him directly to one of the most famous families in American pop culture.
Current Status
As of recent reports, Baxter Neal Helson continues to live away from the limelight. There is little public information about his current residence, career, or activities. It is widely suggested that he values his privacy and has chosen a quieter life after his early brush with celebrity connections.
Conclusion
Baxter Neal Helson’s story is that of a man who once stood close to the edge of celebrity culture but chose a very different path. As the first husband of Tish Cyrus and the biological father of Brandi and Trace, his place in the Cyrus family tree is undeniable. Yet, unlike many who would seek to capitalize on such connections, Helson has maintained a life of discretion.
At nearly 60 years old, with an estimated net worth hovering between half a million and a little over a million dollars, he continues to live away from the cameras. His life stands in contrast to the fame and controversy that often surrounds the Cyrus family.
Ultimately, Baxter Neal Helson is remembered not just for who he married or the children he fathered, but for his decision to remain private—a rare choice in the world of celebrity families.
Article originally prepared for publication on newslyblogs.
