I've had 60 years of ups and downs, and all of the downs that I've had, I'm happy that I've had them because it's taught me to appreciate all the ups.

I can't do some of the songs that younger girls like Mary J. Blige and Beyonce are doing. They have their own place and I have my own place.

I know how to put it on when it comes to interviews and performing because I have to. But I'm pretty laid back.

Tell Aretha I’ll be praying for herBecause she needs Jesus!I love her.

All I can tell you really is if you get to the point where someone is telling you that you are not great or not good enough, just follow your heart and don't let anybody crush your dream.

So if anybody wants to get me something, get me 60 crabs - one for each year. I don't want no diamonds, I don't want no shoes, I don't want no party. I want some crabs.

God doesn't do the work for you; he does the work through you. It's not enough to look up; you must also look within.

That's another lesson I've learned the hard way. All relationships will die if they aren't nurtured. Just as a flower will die if it's not watered. Because love is demonstration, not declaration.

I don't feel as though I have to prove anything to anybody.

So if diva means giving your best, then yes, I guess I am a diva.

I just sing the stuff that makes me smile, makes me feel like I didn't sell myself out.

If we seem to get no good by attempting to draw near to Him, we may be sure we will get none by keeping away from Him.

Mindfulness helps us to live in harmony with our thoughts, words and actions.

The day we mean what we say, even a “good morning” can be transformational!!!

I've always said that in politics, your enemies can't hurt you, but your friends will kill you.

Filibuster has long tradition, but used to harm civil rights.

One comes to bless the absolute bareness, feeling that here is a pure beauty of form, a kind of ultimate harmony.

Your children....are like diamonds...they may need polish.. and education of the right kind will impart this lustre.

I still love doing what I do, and I'm really lucky to get up in the morning and want to go to work.

After years of making wrong decisions in my life, in 1977 I found out that it was all right to be square, simple, and sober.

The great leader attracts to himself men of kindred character, drawing them towards him as the loadstone draws iron.