Billy Ray Cyrus calls off divorce plans

NEW YORK, March 18 (UPI) -- U.S. singer and actor Billy Ray Cyrus says he has called off plans to divorce Tish, his wife of 17 years.

The couple announced last fall they were splitting up.

People.com said the father of pop star Miley Cyrus discussed the new development in his marriage in an interview to air on Friday's edition of the talk show, "The View."

"I've dropped the divorce," Billy Ray Cyrus said. "I want to put my family back together … Things are the best they've ever been. ... I feel like I got my Miley back in a way. ... I feel like we are the daddy and daughter that we were before 'Hannah Montana' happened."

Cyrus said he blamed fame -- not the popular TV show on which he and Miley starred -- for the breakdown of his family.

"I don't think 'Hannah Montana' ruined my family," he said. "Now fame, fame is a different animal. You've got to be careful with that thing."

He said in February "Hannah Montana" destroyed his family, telling GQ he wished he and Miley had never gotten involved with the series.

Miley, 18, has been criticized for some time for her sexy image and hard-partying ways.

"I hate to say it, but yes, I do [regret it.] I'd take it back in a second," the New York Post quoted Billy Ray as saying to GQ about "Hannah Montana."