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.

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

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.

You either have to be first, best, or different.

I think Charley Pride has been one of the best things to happen to country music, to prove it belongs to everybody.

I avoid going through places where there's too much poverty.

Because Olivia Newton-John wasn't from Nashville, they didn't like her winning our awards. I've got no complaints.