Billy Ray Cyrus

Billy Ray: I don't like to argue. I hate confrontation. And I just, you know, I just want everything to be smooth. I want the whole world to be smooth. I want everyone to quit fighting and killing each other, and just love each other. If the whole world could just do something really nice for their fellow man on one given day, it might save us from self-destructing as a human race.

Billy Ray: I've never been big on discipline. I try to be a friend to all my kids. I try to be the one they want to talk to when they're having a problem. I think they're going to be all right, but I'm the last one to cast a stone at any of these kids, because heck, man, I've made mistakes along the way. I happen to be very good at making mistakes. But like my dad always said, "When you make a mistake, stand still, figure it out, and then take a step in the right direction".

Billy Ray: (about his career) It's going great. This is what I love to do--make music and throw in a little acting on the side.

Billy Ray: (about his daughter's official name change from Destiny Hope to Miley Ray) She was born Destiny Hope, but she's always gone by Miley. I tried to talk her out of it, but she had her heart set on it. My name is Billy Ray, and my father's name is Ronald Ray, so I think she just wanted to keep up the tradition. Now I'm changing my name, too. I'm going to be Billy Hope!

Billy Ray: There was one time where it got really crazy with Miley and the paparazzi, and I wasn't there. The next day, I found every single one of those guys and said, "Guys, this is man-to-man; put your cameras down, and let me talk to you." We sat underneath a shaded tree, and I said, "Look, my little girl is 15, and you guys scared her to death. Get yourselves together!" They apologized, and it's been different ever since.

Billy Ray Cyrus: (about his daughter) I tried to discourage Miley from pursuing the entertainment business, because it's a double-edged sword. For everything that makes you happy, there's something equally heartbreaking. I kind of tried to steer her away from being in this business. I told her, "Just stay in school and do cheerleading. Be a normal kid." Well, you can see now how well she listened to me!

(about his daughter, Miley) Billy: She was born with a song. Musically, she is, this is the only time I'm going to brag, she's the real deal musically. I can't wait for you to hear what she's been writing and the songs that come from inside of her. You know the saying she's got an old soul? Well, she's got an old soul, and her old soul's got a lot of soul.

Billy: Miley and I have a great relationship. I think it's important as parents and neighbors that we spend quality time with children and to encourage others in our communities to do the same.