I have worries and fears just like everybody else. But I have every reason to wake up each morning and be very happy.

Nashville was totally different than I ever dreamed. I had only seen the music business on television and been to a couple of concerts. I had no clue.

The foundation of family - that's where it all begins for me.

The minute you walk through the door and your kid runs into your arms, you're smacked in the face with a dose of reality: It's like, this is my real life.

Stand up for what you believe. Follow your gut, which most of the time is your heart talking. This has been my hardest lesson. I have given this advice and not always followed it myself. The truth is, there is no other way.

I have a wonderful family: My parents are churchgoing, salt-of-the-earth Southern people. They gave me a lot of love and are so unaffected by fame.

I have a lot of respect for my birth mother I know she must have had a lot of love for me to want to give what she felt was a better chance.