You have to be different, great or first.

Growing up in eastern Kentucky like I did, I'm used to having a few guns around to protect me.

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

You don't see no city when you look at me cause country's all I am. I love runnin' barefoot through the old cornfields and I love that country ham. Well you say I'm made just to fit your plans but there's a barnyard shovel pick your hands. If your eyes are on me you're lookin' at country.

I get along with all the women singers, but especially Dolly Parton. We talk the same hillbilly language.

Some of my friends who know me best say they wouldn't trade places with me for $1 million because of the pace I lead.

I don't know what it's like for a book writer or a doctor or a teacher as they work to get established in their jobs, but for a singer, you've got to continue to grow or else you're just like last night's cornbread...stale and dry.