I was the first woman ever named Entertainer of the Year in country music.

Being on stage is the best part of my career. I just say whatever comes into my head. It's the only time I feel grown-up and in control of things.

Daddy was real gentle with kids. That's why I expected so much out of marriage, figuring that all men should be steady and pleasant.

My mother used to paper pictures from movie magazines on the wall of her bedroom. When I was born, she looked at those pictures to decide on a name for me. Claudette Colbert's picture was up there and so was Loretta Young's. She decided Loretta was the prettiest name, so I was named after her.

I've been married to the same man for all this time. The way we fight sometimes, you can tell.

You have to be first, different, or great. If you're one of them, you may make it.

I wouldn't have dared ask God for all that He's given me. I couldn't have done it on my own. I thank God every day for what I have.