GRETCHEN WILSON performs on the "Today" Show at the NBC Studios Rockafeller Plaza. New York City, USA - 27.09.05

The REDNECK WOMAN star is known for surviving a tough childhood and her wild ways like chewing tobacco and drag racing on country roads.

Wilson has written a new memoir, REDNECK WOMAN: STORIES FROM MY LIFE, where she talks about the fear she felt when she learned she was going to become a mother.

She says, "Initially, I felt downright miserable. I saw myself as fat and ugly and pregnant.

"At the same time, I started feeling that my dream that lead me to Nashville was slowly slipping away."

Wilson credits friends and loved ones for helping her through the stressful time and enabling her to become comfortable with her new role.

The star says when her daughter GRACE was born her views on motherhood completely shifted.

She adds, "The bottom line is, Grace is my life and music is my talent and passion... I'm a mom first, a singer second."

Source: WENN