this, from ms. smith's publicist ... TNNs LIFE AND TIMES SERIES CHRONICLES TRIUMPHS OF COUNTRY GREAT She hit the music world like a bolt of thunder. She has an unforgettable voice, setting records with her debut single-she was the first female country singer to have her debut single reach #1. In fact, she was the only performer to achieve this success until Trisha Yearwood followed nearly 30 years later. It is no wonder that Connie Smith was dubbed "The Cinderella of Country Music." Now, TNN will chronicle the amazing trek of this woman who ultimately did it all. And did it all on her own terms. She brought her family soundly into adulthood then defied the odds by re-entering a youth oriented music market. The result: She is holding her own in talent, looks and goals. The one hour special will air Tuesday, May 11 at 8 PM ET/PT. Her laugh is infectious. Her eyes sparkle like the Hope Diamond. When she sings, there is no denying it is Connie Smith, plain and clear. Dolly calls her one of only three "real female singers". Appearing on the show with their own accounts of Connie's influence include Chely Wright, Waylon Jennings, Rev. Rex Humbard, Tanya Tucker and, of course, Marty Stuart and Connie's daughters. >From the time she released "Once A Day" in 1964 and became a virtual resident at the top of the charts, she has embodied everything good about country music. Her commitment to home, family and living life was more than a lyric in a hit tune. When she was first at the top of her game, sharing the top of the charts and spreading international fame with her peers, Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette, Connie called a time out. She took a hiatus, which amounted to 20 years, to raise her five children. Now her children have all left home and Mom is returning to her professional pursuits in a way that is again winning admiration from all ages and all walks of life around the world. Don't miss the TNN special on Tuesday, May 11 at 8 PM ET/PT. ###
