Baxter Neal Helson may not be a name everyone knows, but his story is an interesting one that connects music, family, and a famous entertainment dynasty. Born in 1966 in a small Kentucky town, Baxter found his passion in playing the drums, which became a big part of his life. While he didn’t become a household name himself, his early marriage to Tish Cyrus and being the father of Brandi and Trace Cyrus link him closely to one of America’s most well-known families. Unlike many who chase fame, Baxter chose a quieter life, focusing on music and family. This article explores his journey—from his early years and musical career to his role as a father and where he is today, giving you a closer look at the man behind the scenes of the Cyrus family story.
Quick Bio
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Baxter Neal Helson |
| Date of Birth | December 1966 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 59 years old |
| Place of Birth | Ashland, Kentucky, USA |
| Occupation | Professional drummer |
| Known For | First husband of Tish Cyrus; father of Brandi and Trace Cyrus |
| Children | Brandi Cyrus, Trace Cyrus |
| Ex-Spouse | Leticia “Tish” Finley (1986–1989) |
| Current Residence | Phoenix, Arizona, USA |
| Estimated Net Worth | $500,000 – $1 million |
| Social Media Presence | None publicly known |
Early Life and Passion for Music
Baxter Neal Helson was born in December 1966 and grew up in Ashland, Kentucky, a small town where his love for music began to take shape. From a young age, he was deeply drawn to the drums, dedicating hours to practice and perfecting his craft. Drumming was not just a pastime for Baxter; it was a way to express himself and connect with others around him. Though he did not seek fame, his skill as a drummer made him well-known in local music circles, where he played in bands at bars and community events. Music became a central part of his identity and set the foundation for much of his later life.
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How Old Is Baxter Neal Helson?
Baxter Neal Helson was born in December 1966, which makes him 59 years old as of 2025. Although he keeps his personal life private, knowing his age helps us understand the timeline of his career, family life, and how he fits into the story of the Cyrus family. At 59, Baxter has lived through many important moments in music and family history, yet he prefers to stay away from the public spotlight.
What Does Baxter Neal Helson Look Like?
There isn’t much public information about Baxter Neal Helson’s physical appearance because he keeps a very private life. Photos and detailed descriptions are rare since he prefers to stay out of the spotlight. As a result, details like his height, hair color, or other features are not widely known or shared in the media.
Marriage to Tish Cyrus and Family Beginnings
Baxter’s life changed significantly when he met Leticia “Tish” Finley, a young woman from the same town who shared many of his values and dreams. They married in 1986 when Baxter was just 19 and Tish 18, full of hope for their future together. The couple soon welcomed two children: Brandi in 1987 and Trace in 1989. While their young family brought joy, the pressures of parenting at such a young age, combined with personal challenges, made their marriage difficult. Despite their love for each other, these challenges eventually led to their divorce in 1989, ending their marriage after three years.
Who Is Tish Cyrus?
Tish Cyrus, born Leticia Finley, is best known as the mother of famous singer Miley Cyrus and as a key figure in the Cyrus family. She first married Baxter Neal Helson in 1986 and had two children with him, Brandi and Trace Cyrus. After divorcing Baxter in 1989, she married country star Billy Ray Cyrus in 1993, with whom she had Miley and Noah Cyrus. Tish has worked as a manager, producer, and actress, playing an important role in supporting her children’s careers in music and entertainment.
Fatherhood and Influence on Children
Though their marriage ended, Baxter remained a caring and involved father. He maintained visitation rights and kept a close connection with Brandi and Trace, nurturing their love for music as he had nurtured his own passion. This influence is clear in both children’s careers: Brandi became a DJ and TV host, while Trace pursued music as the guitarist of the band Metro Station. Baxter’s passion for drumming was a guiding force in their lives, encouraging them to follow creative paths. His quiet but steady support helped shape the future of his children, proving that even away from the spotlight, a parent’s influence can be profound.
Life After Divorce and Moving On
After his divorce from Tish, Baxter chose to move to Phoenix, Arizona, to start fresh and live a more peaceful life away from the growing fame of the Cyrus family. While Tish married country singer Billy Ray Cyrus in 1993 and the family rose to international stardom, Baxter focused on personal growth and his love of music. He continued playing drums and pursued hobbies like photography and travel, embracing a lifestyle that valued privacy and calm over public attention. His choice to live quietly shows a different side of life connected to fame—one that is more personal and grounded.
Financial Status and Current Life
Over the years, Baxter Neal Helson has built a stable and comfortable life through his steady work in music and other business interests. Estimates of his net worth range from $500,000 to $1.2 million, reflecting a career based on dedication rather than celebrity. While he has avoided social media and public appearances, his financial situation suggests he has managed his resources wisely. Today, he lives a low-profile life in Phoenix, focusing on what brings him joy rather than chasing fame. This balance speaks to his character as someone who values personal fulfillment over public recognition.
Connection to the Cyrus Family Legacy
Though Baxter is not a household name, his story is closely tied to the famous Cyrus family. As Tish Cyrus’s first husband and father to Brandi and Trace, he played an important role in the early years of a family that would become globally recognized. His children’s success in entertainment highlights how his musical influence continues to impact the family’s legacy. Even though he remains mostly out of the public eye, Baxter’s contributions to their upbringing and his role as a musician add important depth to the family’s story, reminding us that behind every famous name are many untold stories.
Reflection on His Life and Legacy
Looking back, Baxter Neal Helson’s life is a reminder that not all meaningful stories come with headlines or fame. His journey—from a small-town drummer to a father who inspired his children’s careers, and finally to a man who chose peace over publicity—shows resilience and quiet strength. His life reflects the reality of many people who support famous families from the background, shaping lives and legacies in subtle but powerful ways. Baxter’s legacy is one of love, music, and perseverance, a testament to living true to oneself regardless of public attention.
Baxter Neal Helson Today
Today, Baxter Neal Helson lives a quiet life in Phoenix, Arizona, away from the public eye. He prefers privacy and does not have any known social media accounts. Although he stepped back from the music spotlight, he continues to enjoy his passion for drumming and has interests like photography and travel. Baxter focuses on living peacefully while maintaining a strong connection with his children, Brandi and Trace, who have followed successful paths in music and entertainment.
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Conclusion
Baxter Neal Helson may not be a famous name, but his life story is important because of his love for music and his role as the father of Brandi and Trace Cyrus. From his early years in Kentucky to his quiet life today in Arizona, Baxter has shown dedication to his family and his passion for drumming. Though he chose to stay away from the spotlight, his influence on his children helped shape their success in the entertainment world. His story reminds us that behind every famous family, there are people whose quiet strength and love make a big difference.
FAQs About Baxter Neal Helson
1. Who is Baxter Neal Helson?
Baxter Neal Helson is a professional drummer and the first husband of Tish Cyrus. He is also the father of Brandi and Trace Cyrus.
2. How old is Baxter Neal Helson?
Baxter Neal Helson was born in December 1966, making him 59 years old in 2025.
3. What is Baxter Neal Helson known for?
He is known for his music career as a drummer and for being part of the Cyrus family through his marriage to Tish and his children.
4. Who are Baxter Neal Helson’s children?
His children are Brandi Cyrus, a DJ and TV host, and Trace Cyrus, a musician and member of the band Metro Station.
5. Is Baxter Neal Helson still married to Tish Cyrus?
No, Baxter and Tish divorced in 1989 after three years of marriage.
6. Where does Baxter Neal Helson live now?
He currently lives a private life in Phoenix, Arizona.
7. What is Baxter Neal Helson’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is between $500,000 and $1 million, earned through his music career and other ventures.
