Rimes, who grew up in the Dallas area and later lived in Los Angeles for five years, has now relocated to Nashville.

"Dean and I wanted to be someplace quiet where we could work, but get away from it all at the same time, and Nashville's perfect," she said. "Five years ago, I wouldn't have been able to live in Nashville and be a kid. There wasn't enough for me to do and I didn't really want to be around the business that much.

Living in L.A. was a blast, and I found myself, but I love it in Nashville now. It's a nice place to settle down."

Now that she's a Nashville resident, Rimes won't have to travel far to participate in this year's CMA Music Festival - Country Music's Biggest Party. She is scheduled to perform in concert at the Festival on June 9 and sign autographs at Wrangler® Fan Fair (Exhibit Hall) on June 10.

Rimes' career has taken a few twists and turns, but today she is reaping the benefits from all her past experiences and lessons.

"My voice has matured beyond belief and I've learned how to take care of it," she noted. "I've also learned a lot as an entertainer and now I'm able to talk to the audience like they're friends. I've learned a lot about writing and putting my heart and soul into things. When you listen to this album, you take a piece of me away more so than ever. And I think from this moment on, my albums will be more autobiographical and show where I am in my life. I have a confidence now that I've never had before."