I belong to the givers. I want to give a little happiness even if I haven’t had much for myself. Music has enriched my life and, hopefully - through me, a little - the public’s. If anyone left an opera house feeling more happy and at peace, I achieved my purpose.

Only when I was singing did I feel loved.

When the curtain rises, the only thing that speaks is courage.

Don't talk to me about rules, dear. Wherever I stay I make the goddam rules.

Only my dogs will not betray me.

When music fails to agree to the ear, to soothe the ear and the heart and the senses, then it has missed the point.

First I lost weight, then I lost my voice, and now I've lost Onassis.