American country-western star since she first hit the charts recording four of her own songs in Nashville. She was named Female Vocalist of the Year in 1972 by both the County Music Association and the Academy of Country Music. She also won single, album and song of the year awards from both organizations. The CMA bestowed the same award the following year
Donna’s first career was teaching. She became head of the English Department at a California school by her mid-20s. She lamented that she never really got to know her mother who died suddenly of a heart attack when Donna was in her mid-20s. She later wrote, “You Were Always There” in honor of her mother. Once she earned her degree and took care of “the security thing” she began working towards her most instinctive ambition: writing songs, learning to play guitar and making the contact with Stan Silver that led not only to her first record, “Happiest Girl in the Whole USA,” but to marriage. The record went to solid country gold.
At the peak of her fame in 1978 she began having numbness that was diagnosed as multiple sclerosis. She continued to tour, write songs and record, battling to keep in remission. Ten years later she was keeping the symptoms at bay with a fruit and vegetable diet, positive thinking and exercise. She states that her battle with MS brought change, clarity and intensity. Those who know her well say she is genuine, acts on her principles and “walks her talk.” In 1987 she teamed up with Billy Joe Royal for country music’s newest duet on a record “Members Only.”
Link to Wikipedia biography