Believe it or not, I was just given an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Tennessee.

I ain't never far away from a pencil and paper or a tape recorder.

I don't make people bend over backwards, and I don't like that in people. I am definitely no diva.

As a songwriter, you're allowed to write anything, and as a person, I am all colors in the rainbow. I've been through everything, you know, so I can write a positive song like 'Better Get to Livin'' because that's my attitude. But that doesn't mean I'm happy all the time. You can't be a deep and serious songwriter without feelings. You kinda have to live with your feelings out on your sleeve and get hurt more than most people. The fear I might get hurt means I might not be able to write another song.

I'm very upfront and very honest. I don't let a bunch of stuff fester and boil over.

Well, my smile's pretty hard to miss, considering I'm a gal who likes her lipstick-the redder the better.

I always ask God to work through me and let me be a light of some kind and help in this world, so I always pray for that, and I always want to do good.