I won't wear rings and jewelry on the stage because I don't want you looking at my hands. I want you hearing what I'm saying.

I'm old enough to be Obama's grandmom. But I still like seeing good-looking things. Nothing wrong with that.

We stay strong. We stay positive, keep our heads up, love one another, spread love. The Devil can't win when you have God on your side.

My voice is my gift. And Pops had me using it in the right way. I had many offers to sing pop, to sing rhythm and blues. Pops said "Mavis, this record company want to give you a million dollars." I said, "No daddy, I want to sing with the family." And I did. I never wanted to branch out by myself. But I've had to now. It's my mission. I've been left here to do it. And I'm grateful.

I just had a wonderful life, and I couldn't ask for anything else.

If I wasn't my age, I would turn a flip. I would do some cartwheels. That's how I feel.

My purpose: to lift your spirit and to motivate you.