Billy Ray Cryus: "My Family Is The Most Important Thing I Have"

Billy Ray Cyrus is determined to mend his family. After a recent “explosive” interview in which he revealed his regrets concerning signing his now 18-year-old daughter, Miley Cyrus, on for Disney's Hannah Montana, the 49-year-old singer says he's working to put his family back together .

“It is very important to me to work on mending my family right now,” he tells PEOPLE. “My family is the most important thing I have, and we are working together to make sure our future is stronger and healthier.”

It is all a learning process, and we thank everyone for their support and respect of our privacy as we sort through very important family issues.

Recently, the country legend opened up about his fears for Miley's future: “I'm scared for her. She's got a lot of people around her that's putting her in a great deal of danger. I know she's 18, but I still feel like as her daddy I'd like to try to help. At least get her out of danger.”

“I want to get her sheltered from the storm. Stop the insanity just for a minute.”

Billy and his wife of 17-years, Tish – who are also parents to daughter Noah, 11, and son Braison, 16 – announced their decision to divorce last fall.