I believe that everyone should be treated equal, that's the way I was raised and that's the way I live my life.

I don't care what the haters and naysayers say. If they make jokes about me, I'll laugh because they'll probably be funny.

Life is too short to wonder where you hid your waffle maker.

I am proof that the American dream still exists.

I was determined to share my positive approach and not let diabetes stand in the way of enjoying my life.

Change doesn’t happen overnight. It starts with the desire, then one small step in the right direction.

I am proud to be a Southerner. I think Southern hospitality is very... I don't think it's just a term. I think it really exists. You can come to Savannah, and the people are so sweet and so nice.

I will never use a substitute for butter. Margarine is one molecule away from eating plastic.

Growing up, I had a very busy social life. It wasn't until I was a sophomore in high school that I asked Mama if I could come into the kitchen and have her teach me how to cook something.

I don't want to spend my life not having good food going into my pie hole. That hole was made for pies.

Down South, even our vegetables have some pig hidden somewhere in it. A vegetable isn't a vegetable without a little ham hock.

I remembered Grandmere Catherine used to tell me your first impressions about people usually prove to be the truest because your heart is the first to react.

The essence of oppression is that one is defined from the outside by those who define themselves as superior by criteria of their own choice.

Don't rely too much on labels, for too often they are fables

I believe in this country [the USA], I love this country, I believe in the idea of this country, and this country is an idea.

I'm pretty positive that if I started singing songs that were for my fame, the God would probably make me tone deaf again. I know why He gave me that voice. I know why He gave me my ears.

All artists are of necessity in some measure contemplative.

In our dreams lies our unfinished work for the world.

I have no fear to burn my mouth and throat I’m ready to drink every flame and more.

Working out makes me feel strong and energized every time. It's my therapy for my mind and my body.

Well, I don't think it ever did, but in the early '60s I got interested in folk music.