In this remarkable collection of letters, of which Trisha owns five and the book's authors, Cindy Hazen and Mike Freeman, own most of the remainder, Patsy frequently mentioned the Opry. She penned all of these letters, 48 in all, to Treva Miller Steinbicker, her first fan club president and close friend. Today the correspondence provides a rare insight into the early years of one our most beloved stars and a unique way to view the Grand Ole Opry half a lifetime ago.

In the first letter, dated October 29, 1955, just months after her very first recording, "A Church, A Courtroom, And Then Goodbye," Patsy told Treva about herself.

"Ever since I was four years old, I've dreamed and prayed that some day I might be able to hear myself on record, and to be an entertainer. Now that I'm going to do just that, I still can't believe it… "

"While in Nashville this past July, I appeared on the Grand Ole Opry with Ernest Tubb. He is the dearest and most wonderful man in the country music field I think. He has surely been a helping hand for me, along with Jimmy Dickens, Roy Acuff, Faron Young, Mr. Jack Stapp, Mr. Bill McCall and Bill Peer, my band leader and manager. Of course, the ones who were always there when I needed them my Mother and the Man Upstairs."

"It was "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" that put me where I am today. I sang it the first time I was in Nashville and sang it on the Dinner Bell Program with Roy Acuff. Then I went to the Opry in July 55. I sang it because Ernest Tubb thinks there is no one who can sing it like I can. (God Bless Him)."

"What was the biggest thrill to you in your career?" Patsy replied, "Of course the biggest thrill was when I stepped out on the Grand Ole Opry Stage."

"As far as singing, everything is looking up. I just signed with Decca and I'm nearly busting with joy. On the 16th of June I'll be on the Opry. Town and Country Jamboree just signed for 5 years and a network is coming through also. I suppose you saw in the Jamboree magazine where the Disc Jockey poll of the "Ten Top New Female Singers," I got No. 3, and in Country Song Roundup, Jimmy Rodgers Poll of the Top Ten Female Singers, I was No. 7."

"Treva, these pictures I'm sending are of George Hamilton IV. He's 18 years old, comes from North Carolina. He is just wonderful. He is a regular on Town and Country Jamboree and is on Colonial Records. His latest record is "A Rose and a Baby Ruth," George Hamilton IV. He's been on the Grand Ole Opry."

" Just a card to let you know I'll be on my way to Nashville tonight and might stay over Sat. night and the Opry wants me to stay on with them. February 27, 1957: This coming Sat. I go to Moline, IL for a show, then back to California for these shows, The Tennessee Ernie Ford show, the Art Linkletter show, and the Bob Crosby show and Town Hall Party again. Then after that on to Nashville for the Opry on Saturday night…I'm thinking of going to the Opry along about April 1st if they get straight down there at Nashville.'

Now, four decades later, the young man she spoke so highly of, George Hamilton IV, is a member of the Opry. He joins the anniversary celebration.

Patsy Cline's music lives on the Opry stage as Vince Gill and Trisha Yearwood sing Patsy's hit song "I Fall To Pieces."