Miley Cyrus' father hopes that she doesn't rush to tie the knot with fiancé Liam Hemsworth.

According to reports, Billy Ray Cyrus is not opposed to the young couple's marriage, but does hope that they have a prolonged engagement because of their age.

Nineteen-year-old Cyrus announced her engagement to the 22-year-old Hunger Games actor yesterday (6 June), and a family friend told RadarOnline that Hemsworth had asked Billy Ray and wife Tish for permission to pop the question – and weren't surprised when he did.

"They knew it was coming. Liam lived with Miley and her parents when they began dating in 2009. Billy Ray and Tish love him like a son," the source claimed.

"However, Billy Ray is concerned about how young they are and he hopes that they aren't in a rush to get married. Billy Ray hopes the engagement will be very long, but he isn't opposed to the marriage at all. Billy Ray got divorced from his first wife Cindy though and he just doesn't want Miley to go through a similar heartbreak."

The insider added: "Liam is part of the Cyrus family and he is very close with Miley's mom, Tish. It's a very special time for the family and it's certainly not easy for Billy Ray to realise that his oldest daughter is getting married. In Billy Ray's eyes she will always be his little girl."

Meanwhile, Cyrus took to her Twitter account to thank her fans for their support.

She wrote: "Thank you for all the love today :) I'm happy to share this news with you all. I feel like all my dreams are coming true. have a great day."

Hemsworth – the brother of Avengers star Chris – popped the question with a 3.5 carat Neil Lane diamond ring on 31 May.

Do stars who marry young go the distance? Check out our gallery and find out!