Billy Ray Cyrus' Advice to Miley: 'Do What You Do Because You Love It'

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Miley Cyrus hosted the MTV Music Video Awards on Sunday and the famously controversial performer pulled out all the stops in the days leading up to the show getting as wild and risqué as ever while promoting this year's ceremony.

But through all the topless selfies, provocative music videos and totally NSFW live performances in recent years, the 22-year-old always seems to be having a good time -- often in spite of critics and haters trying to tear down her wild persona.

Catching up with Miley's father, "Achy Break Heart" singer Billy Ray Cyrus, on the red carpet outside the awards show, it's clear she's been listening to her dad's advice.

WATCH: VMAs: What Could Go Wrong? A History of Miley Cyrus Going Off Script on Live TV

"My advice is still the same for Miley as it's always been," Billy Ray told ET correspondent Jeannie Mai. "Do what you do because you love it, and not because you have to. If you ain't having fun, it ain't working. Enjoy what you're doing and stay positive."

Staying positive seems to be one of Miley's main goals and motivators. Aside from her successful music career and social charity initiatives, Miley has proven to be an all-around fun entertainer. She's hosted Saturday Night Live and recently killed in a segment on Jimmy Kimmel Live where she went undercover as a reporter to ask random people about their opinion of her.

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"She's always kind of reminded me of a mixture between Lucille Ball and Dolly Parton," Billy Ray said, praising his multi-talented daughter. "And as I watch Miley evolve, she's taking on more and more of those traits."

Going from Disney star to NSFW celeb royalty in just a few years, it will be interesting to see what the young superstar will end up evolving into next.

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