The singer on facelifts, being diagnosed with cancer, and being on the end of the worst insult she’s ever heard

Born in Missouri, Sheryl Crow, 55, was a schoolteacher who wrote jingles in her spare time. She became a backing singer and then, in 1994, released the hit single All I Wanna Do. Her subsequent hits include If It Makes You Happy and My Favorite Mistake. She has won nine Grammy awards, and her ninth studio album, Be Myself, was released yesterday. She is single and lives in Nashville with her two sons.

When were you happiest?

Right now. I am loving my children’s ages – Wyatt is nine and Levi is six – and I wish I could freeze time.

What is your greatest fear?

I worry about what’s going to happen with our planet.

What is your earliest memory?

Being in my wooden crib at my grandmother’s house in Missouri, listening to my mom, grandmother and great aunt in the kitchen, laughing and talking.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

When I have forgotten lyrics to my songs. I’d like to blame it on my benign brain tumour, but it’s just due to a lack of sleep.

What is your most treasured possession?

My 1964 Country Western Gibson acoustic. It’s the one I always write the songs I make any money on.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

Getting old is definitely not for sissies, to quote the great Bette Davis. I don’t love getting lines on my face, but I’m not going to get a facelift.

What keeps you awake at night?

The state of our government and the direction that this crazy person is taking us in.

What does love feel like?

Euphoric and very calming.

What is the worst thing anyone’s said to you?

Someone online said I sounded like a cow having an abortion in the middle of a field. I think that’s the worst thing I’ve ever read about anyone, let alone myself.

To whom would you most like to say sorry?

I’m quick to say sorry on the spot.

What was the best kiss of your life?

I could not kiss and tell.

What is the worst job you’ve done?

I’ve been lucky. When I was a kid, I babysat and was a lifeguard, which I didn’t hate; and then I was a teacher, which I liked.

If you could go back in time, where would you go?

To the 60s, and hang out with the Rolling Stones and the Beatles.

When did you last cry, and why?

I got very emotional yesterday with a dear friend who was telling me about his relationship falling apart.

How often do you have sex?

I do not have a partner right now. Hopefully that will change soon.

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What is the closest you’ve come to death?

I was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago, but so early that I knew it wasn’t a death sentence. Until we get a cure for cancer, early detection is our best hope.

What song would you like played at your funeral?

The Rolling Stones’ You Can’t Always Get What You Want.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

That attachment will only bring you grief. I am a big meditator, and I love a lot of what Buddhism teaches.

Where would you most like to be right now?

Fishing with my kids.

Tell us a joke

How do you make a tissue dance?

You put a little boogie in it.

