When I first came to Nashville, people hardly gave country music any respect. We lived in old cars and dirty hotels, and we ate when we could.

Write about the truth. If you write about the truth, somebody's living that. Not just somebody, there's a lot of people.

You have to be the first, best or different.

There's more women stars in Nashville all the time. They're proving they can do the job the same as a man.

Once in a while I get inspired and finish my act with the hillbilly hoedown.

Really, I don't know what I'd do with myself if I retire. Wash dishes?

I love people and I love to sing, and that's what keeps me going.