They say somebody's 'street smart.' I feel like, if I got intelligence, it's just a country smart.

Even now, if I am thinking about spending a lot of money on clothing or furniture, I think 'I can't spend so much money on one thing; my poor old Daddy could have raised his family five years on that!'

My biggest extravagances are also investments. I have several houses in California, a house in Nashville, an office complex, and I bought the old home place in Tennessee. They are different places for me to write, but I can turn right around and sell them.

Having a big gay following, I get hate mail and threats. Some people are blind or ignorant, and you can't be that prejudiced and hateful and go through this world and still be happy.

Years ago when I first started being a big star I had fans that were fanatical. It was when "Jolene" was a big hit.

Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.

I've enjoyed all the parts of my career.