I’m proud of being part Cherokee, and I think it’s time all us Indians felt the same way.

I refuse to be pushed around anymore.

When I first came to Nashville, people hardly gave country music any respect. We lived in old cars and dirty hotels, and we ate when we could.

My biggest hero, Gregory Peck, was my birthday present on April 14, 1973. I just sat and stared at him.

I’m trying to lead a good Christian life, so there ain’t too much spicy to tell about me.

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

Really, I don’t know what I’d do with myself if I retire. Wash dishes?

When something is bothering me, I write a song that tells my feelings.

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

When I’d tell people I like country music they’d get this look on their faces. People were kind of ashamed of country.

Back then, we didn’t know we were poor, and people were more proud then.

I’ve always been full of nervous energy, but I’m not really as happy as I seem.

I believe in education and wish I had a better one.

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.

Country music has been here forever, but for years a lot of people who listened to country music were ashamed to admit it. What I really think started it booming was Ray Charles and his...

I try to visit people in hospitals when I can, smiling and joking while I’m there. But when I leave, I just start crying.

Who wants to be married to a grandfather?

A lot of people say I’d miss show business if I quit. I’d miss some of it. Now it’s the only life I know.

I’ve been married to the same man for all this time. The way we fight sometimes, you can tell.

I believe in horoscopes. I was born under the sign of the Ram, which means I’m headstrong, don’t like people telling me what to do.

Sometimes I think our problems are made worse by the kind of business we’re in. Playing these road shows is a weird experience.

A woman’s two cents worth is worth two cents in the music business.

I want more out of life than I’ve gotten.

You ain’t supposed to get salmon when they’re swimming upstream to spawn. But if you’re hungry, you do.