Billy Ray Cyrus regrets being friends with kids

Los Angeles: Singer Billy Ray Cyrus, father of Miley Cyrus, says he regrets being a friend to his kids.

The country star has always been close to his children, Miley, Braison and Noah, as well as estranged wife Tish`s kids - Brandi and Trace Cyrus- from a previous relationship. However, after seeing his daughter getting involved in controversies he laments he would have been a firm father, reports aceshowbiz.com. "How many interviews did I give and say, `You know what`s important between me and Miley is I try to be a friend to my kids`? I said it a lot," he told GQ magazine. "And sometimes I would even read other parents might say, `You don`t need to be a friend, you need to be a parent.` Well, I`m the first guy to say to them right now: You were right. I should have been a better parent," he added. IANS