Billy Ray Cyrus Takes on COPD for the CMA Awards

Billy Ray Cyrus will be on the black (not red this year) carpet at the upcoming CMA Awards November 10. The singer has been named the celebrity campaign ambassador for DRIVE4COPD. In partnership with the Country Music Association, Billy Ray will host the DRIVE4COPD Pavilion, to raise awareness of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, which affects more than 24 million people.

"I'm proud to be partnering with the Country Music Association and DRIVE4COPD," says Billy Ray. "It's astounding to think that COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and yet many people don't even know what it stands for. If I can help inspire Americans to find out more about COPD and get screened then I've done my job."

Billy Ray, who is currently in the middle of a painful divorce from wife Tish, says his own family has been affected by COPD. In his role as ambassador, he will greet celebrities and artists as they walk the black carpet, asking for their support, and getting autographs for the 'DRIVE4COPD' pinwheel icon.

The former 'Dancing With the Stars' contestant will have a lot on his schedule in the next few months. In addition to partnering with 'DRIVE4COPD,' he is also working on rock music with his band, 'Brother Clyde,' as well as compiling an album of patriotic songs. The multifaceted singer says his eclectic taste in music is thanks to his rural upbringing. "I grew up in Kentucky loving a lot of different styles of music," he tells The Boot. "Johnny Cash once told me, 'You have to make the music that comes from within. Don't worry about labels and stereotypes and branding.'"

Billy Ray takes his place on the black carpet before the CMA Awards this Wednesday (November 10). The awards show will air live from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on ABC.