Ask Lou: September 2010
Q: Will any of your older CDs from RCA be re-released? - Rob
• Rob, Thanks for asking! The artist is the last one to know. I don't know of any plans to re-release them. The artists normally don't own the records, the labels do. I enjoyed making them and RCA was very much a part of my career.
Q: How could a parent of a Food Allergic Child thank a wonderful individual for her kindness and help in the awareness walk for food allergies? - Dwayne T
• Dwayne, Thanks for your nice note. I heard about this allergy walk because I have allergies. I take three shots a week. I'm allergic to everything beautiful outdoors, but I'm very fortunate not to be allergic to food. It was the first year for this even in Nashville, and I was very impressed with the people who ran it, the volunteers, and especially the children who spoke about their allergies.
Q: Are you going to be at Gaylord Opryland next year? - Tena
• Tena, Yes, I was very flattered to be asked to perform at Gaylord Opryland for my fourth year in a row. This is the longest running celebrity show they've had and it makes me feel very special to be part of the Gaylord Opryland family.
Q: Does it get confusing with three assistants named Kelly? - John F.
• John, all three Kellys have worked with me a long time, and I've known them even longer. Kelly Shipley is my best friend and we have worked together 28 years. I met her through her uncle, R.C. Bannon. Kellie Lapelle has worked with me 12 years. I've known her since she was a little girl attending my concerts. Kelly Jackson has worked with me 8 years. She worked with Irlene before that. When someone tells me they called and talked to Kelly, the confusion begins. I must say it's nice when I need something, I just call out Kelly!
Q: I know you decorate a tree. Are you going to decorate a tree for Vanderbilt Childrens Hospital again, and how many trees do you decorate at your home? - Karen L.
• Karen, I love Christmas and everything that comes with it and one of the highlights of the holidays is decorating a tree to help Vanderbilt Childrens Hospital. It's easy to get volunteers to help me decorate this tree, after all, it's to raise money for kids and I live in the volunteer state! My family says that I am a great volunteer - I always volunteer them! My niece Christy and assistant, Kellie Lapelle, both love to decorate and are the first to show up when I need help! This year at my home we are putting up one tree. You won't be surprised to hear, it's a themed tree, because of my love of animals all of the decorations are about dogs and cats.
Q: I've heard you talk about how you love Halloween, do you still celebrate since Nicole is grown? - Sarah V.
• Thank you Sarah. Halloween is a big tradition at my moms house. Her favorite daughter decorates her front porch and passes out candy. With her front drapes closed, where no one can see inside, everyone else is busy putting up the Christmas decorations. Mom doesn't understand why Christmas decorations are put up so early every year, but she's happy to have the help! Before you even have to ask why we decorate so early, it's because I'm in rehearsals for my Christmas show in November and it's my last opportunity to help my mom. If you want to be the favorite in my family, you've got to earn it.
Q: Will you be a part of the lighting ceremony for Opryland this year? - Stephen M.
• Yes, Stephen. They contacted me yesterday and asked me if we could take a break from our Christmas rehearsals and be a part of their ceremony. They are planning such a big celebration for their grand opening that this is the year to come for a visit!
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Q: Years ago, I was at your show on Halloween night, I was surprised to see you in costume. Do you always dress in costume? - Kevin J
• Dear Kevin, I don't know which Halloween show you were at, but we've had some interesting costumes. Once in Wheeling, WV I dressed as a roller skating derby queen and did all my dances in roller skates! But my scariest halloween was at Opryland when a friend of mine, Rose Mason, made me a coffin for my entrance. She put us special compartments so we could put dry ice next to me without it burning my skin. At showtime, the Opryland technicians told my dancers we had to make a choice, either the dry ice or Louise could go in the coffin but not both because dry ice takes the oxygen out of the air. We felt very stupid, but at least I lived to laugh about it!
Q: Is Irlene going to do her shoot again this year? - Keri D
• I'm so glad you asked Keri. This year Smith & Wesson, DRT, and all three Mandrell girls are joining forces. We have set some very big goals and I hope you will take time to check out the website: www.spiritshoot.com
Q: Is Sally Sue a service dog? - Kimberly S.
• Kimberly, It's according to who you ask. I would tell you that she is just a member of the family. It's been comforting to have Sally during the loss of my dad, and coping with John's illness. I think everyone should service mankind not just dogs. I strive to be an encourager. To do that, you must have a smile on your face. Sally puts that smile there for me.
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