My first job was singing on the Cas Walker radio show in Knoxville, Tennessee. I was about 10 years old and I thought it was big time.

People just relate to me. They know I'm a regular person brought up in a hardworking, poor family, that I've had all the struggles that people have. I'm just a friendly person. And I hopefully have a good sense of humor. People get a kick out of my stupidity.

My first phone was two tin cans tied together with string, and it worked pretty good.

I think my life actually changed at 40. That's when you realize you can't ride the fence anymore. You either have to get on one side or the other. I think some of my best years were between 40 and 50: I got my priorities straight and life is good to me now. It's only other people who say, "God, she's 50 years old!" as if I'm over the hill. I feel like I just started.

I have a big gay and lesbian following and they've been very loyal and kind to me.

I'm a singer, a writer and an actress - when I find something that I feel good enough about doing.

Sevier County is a great area.