You know, your voice can only last for so long. It's a muscle and when you get older it sort of fades away.
I think people looked at me as one of them - an ordinary girl from an ordinary family with a voice they could recognise.
Perhaps because I never left England and went to America - I think the public sort of appreciated that. I visited and I did some shows over there, but I never had any ambitions to settle over there. I could never have left England.
All young men should have a certain time in the Army, instead of going running around wild for a few years after school. They would learn discipline and they would learn a good trade. It would be a good opportunity.
Certain people cause so many problems, not only to the running of the town and the country, but to people themselves.
I never smoked myself because it lowers your voice and mine was already low. Some singers liked their smoky voices though, like Marlene Dietrich.
In wartime you never know what is going to happen, you never know whether you will still be around tomorrow, and that is a great leveller.
Barely a week goes by without me being asked to cut a ribbon somewhere, and I'm usually happy to oblige. Things to do with the Army mostly.
I used to bomb around London in my little Austin 10 throughout the raids to appear on stage and if there was a raid before the show was over I would be there, crouching on a floor wherever I could find a big thick wall.
You can't have it all one way - be on the telly and the radio and make lots of money - and not offer anything to your followers when they need you.
We were a great family for singing. There were good voices on both sides and no reluctance to use them.
There is always something we can be concerned about. The secret is to rise above it and do whatever we can to make the world a better place.
I am exceptionally fond of all the brave servicemen and women who have worked, and continue to work, to keep us safe and secure, and protect our values.
I can never waste water. If I cannot drink it I will use it to water the plants and I will never waste food. If it is inedible it goes on the compost heap.
I miss the emotion of singing. There is something about it which means you can express emotions to people without actually talking to them.
I think I have got a peculiar voice really, it neither one thing nor the other. It's not a contralto and it's not a mezzo soprano; it's a nothing voice really.
It is so important that British children are taught about the World Wars that their great grandparents fought in and lived through. It was a terrifying time.
We have always been told not to open the door to strangers, especially because of the terrible things that could happen these days. I never have, unless they are expected and are friends or family.
People often ask me for the secret to success. Usually, they mean success in the music industry, but I think the answer applies to most things in life: always persevere and never give up.
I've had the good fortune of having a long and varied career. Looking back, some might think things have been plain sailing but, as with anything, there have been both highs and lows.
In so many ways, World War II was one of the lowest lows imaginable, yet some of my most treasured memories come from that time. Communities came together, people displayed a wonderful generosity of spirit and I saw the bravery of our boys on the front line as they fought for our freedom.
I always felt that whatever I had to endure was nothing compared to what the average soldier, sailor or airman had to put up with.
Ordinary British people don't on the whole find it easy to express their feelings, even to those closest to them.
I never, ever go to bed with make-up on; I always make sure I cleanse with Nivea Gentle Cleansing Cream Wash.
If somebody makes a record, no matter how many years later it's released, they or their families should be entitled to the proceeds.
I was very privileged to enjoy The Queen Mother's company on many occasions. She was relaxed and informal - she would just sit down for a chat.
Make up your mind what you want to do, and go and get it. Make sure it is not at the expense of anyone else, though.
I did an audition for Henry Hall, a well-known dance man at the BBC, when I was about 15. I have lost the letter I was sent, but it said: 'your voice is unsuitable for broadcasting.'
No, I never sing in the bath. In fact, I've never even practised singing. I would only ever sing indoors if I had to learn a song with my pianist.
When I started out, I was what they called corny. After a week in Nashville they were calling me hillbilly.
I didn't have any more children because I couldn't have continued working - and I was the main breadwinner. But although we are small in number, family life has always been hugely important to me.