Who Is Baxter Neal Helson? Meet Tish Cyrus’s First Husband and Drummer Dad -

Baxter Neal Helson is a name you might not immediately recognize, but his story is closely tied to one of the most famous families in American entertainment. Born in 1966 in Ashland, Kentucky, Baxter grew up surrounded by the rhythms of small-town life, where his passion for drumming became more than just a hobby. His early years remain mostly private, with little public record about his parents or siblings, but his love for music eventually brought him into the local spotlight.

Quick Bio

Name	Baxter Neal Helson
Birth Year	1966
Age (2025)	59 years
Birthplace	Ashland, Kentucky, USA
Height	5 ft 8 in (172 cm)
Weight	~138 lbs (63 kg)
Profession	Drummer
Known For	First husband of Tish Cyrus, father of Brandi & Trace Cyrus
Net Worth	$500,000 – $1.2 million
Nationality	American
Residence	Phoenix, Arizona
Ethnicity	White
Zodiac Sign	Sagittarius
Lifestyle	Private, avoids media spotlight

Meeting Tish Cyrus

Baxter’s life took a turn when he met Leticia “Tish” Finley, a young woman from the same Kentucky community. Their connection was instant, rooted in shared interests and youthful affection. In 1986, the two married, and before long, they welcomed two children: Brandi in 1987, and Neil Timothy—later known as Trace—in 1989. Both children would eventually enter the entertainment industry, becoming part of the extended Cyrus family’s public narrative.

Marriage and Family

Despite their shared beginnings, Baxter and Tish’s marriage was short-lived. They divorced in 1989, and the split led to a complex custody arrangement. Tish was granted primary custody, while Baxter retained visitation and weekly phone call rights. Court records show that these arrangements were not without their challenges, especially as Trace reportedly resisted visits. Nonetheless, Baxter remained a figure in his children’s early years before the Cyrus name became a household fixture.

Life After Divorce

Following the divorce, Baxter relocated to Phoenix, Arizona. Unlike the high-profile lives of his ex-wife and children, he chose a private path, avoiding public appearances and social media entirely. This privacy has made him something of a mystery to fans of the Cyrus family, with most available information drawn from public records and old interviews.

Personal Profile

Physically, Baxter is believed to stand around 5 feet 8 inches tall and weigh approximately 138 pounds, though these details come from unverified sources. Some profiles describe him as having a lean build, light hair, and a quiet demeanor. He is often characterized as a Sagittarius by zodiac, though this too is speculative.

Career and Net Worth

Financially, Baxter’s net worth is estimated to fall between $500,000 and $1.2 million, largely from his work as a drummer and possibly other endeavors. While he never reached national fame through his music, he was well regarded in his local scene, playing at events, bars, and community gatherings. His role in the Cyrus family story may be indirect, but it remains significant: he is the biological father of two entertainment personalities whose careers have spanned music, television, and media.

A Life of Privacy

Baxter’s story is one of contrasts. He began in the public eye through his connection to Tish and the children they shared, yet he has steadfastly chosen a life out of the limelight. In an age where social media often dictates public perception, his absence from these platforms underscores his commitment to privacy. He is a reminder that not every life connected to fame seeks its glow.

Legacy

Today, Baxter Neal Helson’s legacy is reflected in his children’s successes and in the small but impactful chapter he occupies in the history of the Cyrus family. His life, marked by music, love, and a deliberate retreat from public scrutiny, offers a quieter, more grounded counterpoint to the celebrity culture that surrounds his name.

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