The Troubled Children Of These Country Music Stars

The country music industry might be filled with talented good ole boys and sweet-sounding cowgals, but as most people know, stardom and the limelight are not always filled with glitz and glamor. These are real people with lives not totally unlike ours. These artists, in particular, are known for taking heartache and pain and infusing it into their work — into the music that helps us escape our own realities. But even big stars like country icon Naomi Judd, who lost her life to suicide, or Willie Nelson, who has had a history of trouble with the law, can't escape real life. And real life can get messy and tragic.

With fame and money come open doors that should probably remain closed, opportunities for temptation, and a huge spotlight documenting it for all the world to see. Like when Randy Travis was caught drinking alone in a church parking lot, or when Wynonna Judd was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol (via The Boot).

As adults, our mistakes are on us, and we all have to find a way to get past them. But what happens when our offspring are the ones making the mistakes? Celebrities are no exception here — except that they're going through it with everyone watching and judging. Keep reading to find out more about some of the troubled children of these country music stars.

If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline​ by dialing 988 or by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255)​.

Billy Ray Cyrus shot to fame in the '90s with his iconic mullet and hits like "Achy Breaky Heart" and "Could've Been Me." And while his biggest hit came in 1992, with the birth of his daughter Miley Cyrus, the artist actually has six children, most of whom are trying to make their own way in show business, including second born, adopted son, Trace Cyrus.

Trace is a singer and guitarist for the band Metro Station, and has been known to garner attention — and not only because of his rocking vocals or his decorated upper body. According to a Details interview in 2009, Trace has no problem speaking his mind about other artists. Of the Jonas Brothers he said, "Those guys can't live their lives freely. They have to put out this image that's totally fake." Apparently his own band isn't even off limits. TMZ reported in 2010 that Trace ended up in a lawsuit with his bandmates after allegedly announcing the breakup of the band without speaking to the others first. It was also reported he was bad-mouthing them on Twitter.

In August of 2019, the singer shared on his Instagram that he was 30 days alcohol free, giving confirmation to what many of his fans likely surmised. And apparently, it was a long time coming based on another post two months later, saying, "To all of you that have supported me since I was a wild emotional teen till now I truly thank you sticking with me as I grow & find myself."

If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Wynonna Judd is one of the biggest country singers in the world and one half of the country dynamic duo The Judds. Tragically, the other half, her mother, Naomi, died by suicide in April of 2022. And while the Judd family has seen success and triumph over the last four decades, there has also been considerable strife and heartache, including with Wynonna's daughter, Grace Pauline Kelley.

In 2017, a then 20-year-old Kelley was arrested on drug-related charges, per Daily Mail – and it wasn't the first time. The publication reported Wynonna Judd's daughter (with first husband Arch Kelley) pleaded guilty the previous year for possession of crystal meth. In 2018, Us Weekly reported that Kelley was sentenced to eight years in prison for breaking her probation and leaving her required treatment program. Judd has spoken openly about her life, her personal struggles, and those with her daughter, hoping to help others in the same situation. "Some of the darkest days were going to and from the prison," she said in a 2021 interview with "Above The Cloud."

Good news came in 2019 when Daily Mail reported Kelley would get early parole from prison as long as she followed the conditions of her release: substance abuse treatment, substance abuse aftercare referral, and random drug screens. Sadly, the troubled woman found herself under arrest again in 2021, according to an exclusive with The Sun, who shared her mugshot and new face tattoo.

If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline​ by dialing 988 or by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255)​.

Alan Jackson is a Grammy-winning singer and songwriter who has sold millions of records over the span of his 30 plus years career. In 1979, he married his high school sweetheart, and the couple had three daughters together before separating in 1998 and then later reconciling. Probably one of his greatest honors was being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2017. But all the success and accolades couldn't shield his family from the real life consequences of poor choices.

During a 2013 traffic stop, Jackson's middle child, Alexandra, made a bad situation worse when she and the driver she was with were pulled over for speeding. As per CNN, the officer on scene determined that Alexandra, who was only 20 at the time, was under the influence of alcohol. And apparently, she wasn't too happy about being pulled over. CNN reported that she not only argued with the officer and got out of the vehicle but ignored warnings that she might be arrested. Alexandra then assaulted the officer, resulting in her arrest. Unfortunately for her, the name dropping of her dad she did during booking didn't help her.

It appears, though, that Alexandra learned her lesson and got herself on the right track. In 2021, she appeared on stage with her father, singing "You'll Always Be My Baby," and declared the pregnancy of her first child in 2022, per Music Mayhem magazine.

Johnny Cash was a country music icon who died in 2003, leaving behind a legacy of music and memories — both wonderful and tragic — and the kind that people write songs about. In fact, two years after his death, Joaquin Phoenix played him in "Walk the Line," the movie about Cash's life.

Cash had five children, one of which was from his second marriage, to another famous singer, June Carter. June Carter, died just four months before Johnny, and it is reported this contributed to his passing, per Biography. The child June and Johnny shared together was John Carter Cash, and in 2014, the twice-divorced Carter Cash, who has followed in his parents' musical footsteps, had a misstep. According to Billboard, Carter Cash was arrested in Newfoundland, Canada while at the airport. The charge? Disturbing the peace. And just how was he "disturbing" you might wonder? Allegedly, the man stripped down to his skivvies right there in the airport. While it wasn't determined why he did, police on scene surmised he was either drunk or having some sort of personal or medical crisis.

Carter Cash seemed to give no explanation of his behavior and the flub disappeared into his past. Two years later, the Grammy winner married again (to singer Ana Christina) and the couple had two children together.

There's not many people in the world who haven't heard of Elvis Presley, especially after the release of the biographical drama "Elvis" in 2022. And while we don't see much in the movie of Elvis' only child with his spouse of six years, Priscilla Presley, daughter Lisa Marie was reportedly a huge part of his life and inspiration. Despite her father's adoration, it appears losing him at a young age affected her life. She's had four husbands, four children and at least one tough custody battle. In addition, according to SCMP, she's struggling financially, even after being handed the reins to Elvis Presley's financial legacy, due to spending and certain actions taken by business manager Barry Siegel.

In a 2019 People article, it was revealed that Lisa Marie struggled with a past drug addiction, sharing that it was prescribed opioids for pain that she became addicted to. And though she tried to keep her struggles private, the information came out during her divorce so she addressed it. "I'm not perfect. My father wasn't perfect. No one's perfect. It's what do you do with it after you learn and then you try to help others with it," she said on The Today Show (via NBC).

Tragically, Lisa Marie lost her son, Benjamin, to suicide in 2020. As she told People, her daughters were a huge support for her as she knew she wanted to stay strong for them. Lisa Marie also urged others who are suffering to seek support groups.

If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline​ by dialing 988 or by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255)​.

Legendary musician Hank Williams died tragically at the young age of 29, leaving behind his groundbreaking songs, a wife, and two children, both of whom would also go on to become country music singers.

Jett Williams didn't have the most secure start in life, having never even met her father since he died mere days before her birth, per Biography. In fact, she didn't even know Hank Williams was her father until decades after his death. When Hank Williams died, Jett was adopted by his mother, then sadly entered foster care when she died. "I had four families before I was four, was orphaned three times, and had six name changes," said Williams in a 2002 speech (via Library of Congress). Thankfully, she was able to find her true identity, then in 1989, debuted as a professional singer.

Unfortunately, things took a turn in 2014, when the singer was arrested for driving under the influence. According to Taste of Country, officers spotted her car swerving between lanes at around 2:30 in the morning. Not only did she admit she'd been drinking but she failed the sobriety test. Officers also cited her for not having proof of insurance or wearing her seatbelt. Apparently, this wasn't enough to deter the singer as she was arrested a second time only three months later for another DUI, per Saving Country Music. This time, Williams refused the sobriety test.

If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Willie Nelson has been one of the most recognized country singers in the world for many decades. He also has a reputation for being quite the rebel, including being arrested for possession of marijuana and having the IRS after him for unpaid taxes. According to Country Thang Daily, the singer has been married four times and has eight children, one of which he only found out about in 2012. He's won countless awards, including being inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Paula Nelson is Willie Nelson's daughter with third wife, Connie Koepke, though Paula was born before they were married and while Nelson was married to second wife, Shirley Collie. When Paula was young, she went on tour with her famous father, and in 2013, father and daughter sang "Have You Ever Seen The Rain" together. Unfortunately, singing wasn't the only thing Paula picked up from Dad Willie.

When Paula was pulled over in a routine traffic stop in 2014, police found pot in her possession. According to Saving Country Music, Willie Nelson had been pulled over two years prior on the same day. Not as much coincidence as one would think as it was April 20 — the unofficial marijuana holiday. Taking it like a true Nelson, Paul posted on her Facebook page, "Strip, Spread'em, Squat and Cough...What a night," along with a picture of her being cuffed by the officer. Paula was released on bond, and in 2015, she won the Country Music Association of Texas 2016 Female Artist of Year.

Country artist Aaron Tippin started as a songwriter for Acuff-Rose Music, a music publishing company, then quickly rose to fame when his first album, "You've Got to Stand for Something" became a hit during the Gulf War. According to Country Thang Daily, Bob Hope, a comedian and actor famous for entertaining the troops, invited Tippin to join his USO tour as his music became somewhat of an anthem for soldiers. As of 2022, Tippin is still married to wife, Thea Corontzos, and the couple has three children.

In 2019, Aaron's eldest son, Theodore "Ted," was married, and the singer proudly posted pics on his Twitter profile. Only a month later, WESH news reported that Ted was arrested for sexual battery. According to the report, the incident happened in 2017 and the victim was someone who was physically helpless. At the time, Ted was a student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Two days after news of his arrest, WESH reported that DNA evidence connected him to the victim. The outlet also stated that Ted Tippin was charged with the sexual abuse of a child who was apparently 13 years old.

While it's not reported if Ted was found guilty, in 2022, his father, Aaron, posted on Instagram a baby announcement. Ted and his wife welcomed son Lucas Wayne.

If you or someone you know may be the victim of child abuse, please contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or contact their live chat services.

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).