When Billy Ray Cyrus welcomed Miley Cyrus into his family, it came at the height of "Achy Breaky" fever. She was born just 11 days after his album, "Some Gave All," became the first debut by a country artist to sell 5 million copies. Then three weeks after her birth, Billy Ray shot his first TV special.
Now Miley's the one who's most feeling the glare of the spotlight. In her role as "Hannah Montana," she's become the hottest ticket among teens, and she was even featured Sunday on "The Barbara Walters Special." Fortunately, the public ruckus is something she's seen before.
"She's handling it very well," Billy Ray told Dial-Global. "She's still Miley. She keeps a good level head on her shoulders. She's been brought up in this business. You know, she's been on that bus with me for years and years. She's always had a natural gift to go out in front of people and entertain. And as an actress, she is just evolving."
She paid her dad the ultimate compliment when she had her given name legally changed recently from Destiny Hope Cyrus to Miley Ray Cyrus. Father and daughter will perform their hit "Ready, Set, Don't Go" together Wednesday on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno."