For me, singing was always about the lyrics. I'm hopeless at singing songs that don't have a core.

Sometimes opportunities float right past your nose. Work hard, apply yourself, and be ready. When an opportunity comes you can grab it.

In a way I do hate the process of writing. It's like learning a role where you never think you're going to be able to conquer it when you start and it just takes enough focus and narrowing and getting enthusiastic and not losing it and so on. It's never good enough, but you aim for something and you hope it comes somewhat close. But it is a pleasure once you have written it.

I'm more contented and at peace with myself now than I was as a box-office queen. I'm less uptight. I've even reached a stage where it doesn't shatter me if somebody prints something bad about me.

Garry Marshall is a joy. I feel so utterly safe in his hands.

I play with my grandchildren. I tend to my garden, which I love. Of course, I love to read, and family is really what it's all about.

Words are what make the song. I get a personal vision about what the lyrics are about.