You will have the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, just remember to always handle yourself with grace and dignity.

Lots of these songs I hadn't performed, but I've always wanted to. These are songs that I wanted to get in my wheelhouse. I sang them over and over and over and over again. Of course, I've fallen in love with them all.

It's good to learn early that every show is a family - -complete with dysfunctional relationships, tough love, and plenty of occasion for forgiveness.

"I Get Along Without You Very Well" is not as well-known. It's complicated. First of all, it's range-y. It's not necessarily an easy sing. It's also deep. A lot of times people just don't want to go there.

I don't understand what the big deal is with gay marriage. Get over it, people.

The lasting legacy of the Cooter Smash is that I'm the first to know when it's going to rain. That's right. I both sing and predict the weather with my hoo hoo.

All my life, I'd been on the receiving end of my mother's endless tenderness and vigilant care. Being allowed to care for her during her recovery was a gift – the most rewarding experience in my life.