I wasn't encouraged to write just stand there and sing and I never thought I was a writer. I always figured if I couldn't write something as good as "He Stopped Loving Her Today," then what's the point?

I was raised in South Alabama in the woods, y'know? I'm country.

Well, I had a record deal since I was 18, and it got me where I am.

I was an opening act for 10 years.

I think a lot of people think that my parents' deaths is why I write such sad songs, but that's not true. Those songs may just be the woman I am.

I write about what I know.

I was singing before I could talk.