As she launches a new LP and her own wine, the country legend answers your questions on her tough childhood, how she recorded Jolene, and why she’ll never retire

How important were the circumstances of an often heartbreakingly hard childhood and background in rural Tennessee in the making of your career? eamonmcc
Everybody where we grew up had a hard time. We were mountain people. Most people were poor, but we didn’t realise that we were poor until some smart-head said so. Everybody around us lived the same way, but you don’t think about that until you’re away. We had good parents, but we didn’t have all the big luxuries that I’m able to afford now. But I wouldn’t trade it for nothing. The only thing I regret is that my parents had a hard time, but they never complained, so why should I? That’s made me who I am, so I’m grateful.

What is your advice for being positive, despite setbacks, and how to repel despair? GSW2298
You have to work at being happy. Some people work at being miserable. If I wake up in the morning and don’t feel great or things are not great, I try to think about what I can do to make things work better, rather than just falling into that deep hole, because then you just go deeper and deeper. I just try to have a good attitude and make things right; to be grateful for the things I have, thank God, and look for spiritual strength for myself.