Nashville Wives: Country Music's Celebrity Wives Reveal the Truth about Their Husbands and Marriages

Carter, who has co-written several autobiographies of country musicians (e.g., Rhinestone Cowboy), collaborated with Nancy Jones, wife of singer George Jones for the last 15 years, in this collection of 16 short memoirs by women who've married country music stars. Based on tape recorded interviews conducted by Jones or Carter, these pieces chart the turmoil of marriage as played out in the glare of billboard-topping success. Although a gossipy tone prevails and the writing oozes mawkish sentimentality--""nobody had more problems. But love prevailed, and the marriage survived. And it will survive forever,"" says Janine (Ronnie) Dunn--fans will delight in the details of the courtships and conflicts that many of these couples have overcome. Several, including Rozene (Charley) Pride, Sharon (Johnny) Paycheck and Jones herself, describe their husbands' drug and alcohol abuse. Others, such as Denise (Alan) Jackson, express bruised feelings arising from recurrent rumors of infidelity that spring up when their husbands are on the road. In contrast, Kim (Glen) Campbell and Gregg (Jeff) Foxworthy describe marriages that are substance-free and rooted in their family's strong religious faith. B&w photos. Agent, Dean Williamson. Author tour. (Nov.)