Billy Ray Cyrus Cancels on Piers Morgan Live: He's Not Quite Ready to Explain Miley, Piers Jokes

"When you're ready, we will talk about this," Piers promises the absentee guest, who was supposed to discuss his daughter's controversial MTV VMAs performance

Billy Ray Cyrus' first in-depth interview regarding his daughter's performance at the MTV Video Music Awards will have to wait.

Miley Cyrus' dad ended up bailing on Piers Morgan Live tonight, late enough so that he was still included in the East Coast feed's show-opening tease about what was to come later in the telecast.

Morgan did not announce the cancellation until there were about 15 minutes left. No official reason was given, but the host joked that the beleaguered dad probably just hadn't figured out what to say about Miley yet.

"Billy Ray was supposed to be on the show tonight to explain his daughter's behavior, but..."

"He's got some 'splainin' to do," interjected guest Morgan Spurlock, who directed One Direction: This Is Us and was chiming in on the twerking phenomenon and pop culture in general.

"I'm not sure he's quite worked out what his explanation is yet," Morgan continued, "so we've decided to postpone it. We are going to get the first interview. I know he'w watching tonight, so, Billy Ray, good evening, and when you're ready, we will talk about this."

Ray did comment briefly to Entertainment Tonight earlier today, saying that he will always be there for his daughter, no matter what.

"Can't wait to see her when she gets home," said the country singer, who also costarred with Miley on Hannah Montana. "She's still my little girl and I'm still her dad regardless how this circus we call show business plays out. I love her unconditionally and that will never change."