BEAUTY & STYLE
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SOUTHERNLIVING.COM / JULY 20 19
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Jenna: Any hosting fails or dinner
parties gone awry?
Martina: Oh goodness, that happens a
lot, Jenna! Just remember that if things
don’t go as planned, it’ll be okay. (And
make sure you always have a pizza
in the freezer!) We learn from making
mistakes. Keep in mind that when
people come to your house, they want
to spend time with you. Give yourself
a break. Everything doesn’t need to be
made from scratch. When someone
invites you into their home, it’s special.
Jenna: Anything your daughters have
taught you about yourself or life?
Martina: A million things. For starters,
they have taught me
patience. I’ve learned
that I can’t be in
control of their lives
all of the time, which
is hard for me. They
have a wider view of
things in a way that
was different than we
had growing up. They
have a more relaxed
perspective on life.
It’s cool and probably
healthier too.
Jenna: Best parenting advice?
Martina: I’ve always wanted my kids
to come to me about everything. And
while I know they don’t share it all, it’s
important for them to know that nothing
they can ever do will make me stop
loving them. Always pay attention to the
little things your kids tell you as they’re
growing up, because those will reveal
the big things.
Jenna: Biggest surprise you learned
about motherhood?
Martina: How hard it can be but also
how rewarding it is at the same time. I
never realized that having kids would
change my life as much as it did. Being
a mom never ends. You’re in it for the
long haul. You never stop worrying and
wanting your children to be happy.
I didn’t know this was going to be a
lifelong adventure.
Jenna: First word that comes to mind
when you reflect on motherhood?
Martina: Fulfillment.
I love my work, but
being a mom is
different. There is
a lot of joy, worry,
and responsibility,
but it has also been
the most gratifying
thing in my life.
Jenna: What’s your
favorite aspect of life
at this stage?
Martina: I’m fortunate to love everything
I’m doing right now. As I turn 53 this
month, my perspective has changed,
and I’m grateful that I can pursue two
passions in my lifetime—music and
cooking. I believe 2018 was a transi-
tional year for me and that everything
will come together in 2019. Who knows
if it will happen or not, but I love the
exciting opportunities on the horizon. å
“PAY ATTENTION TO THE LITTLE THINGS YOUR
KIDS TELL YOU AS THEY’RE GROWING UP, BECAUSE
THOSE WILL REVEAL THE BIG THINGS.”
MARTINA’S
BEST ADVICE
CHERISH FAMILY RECIPES
I believe in food memories. My
mom taught me how to make
her pot roast, so we’ll have that
with mashed potatoes and gravy
for Christmas or whenever
someone comes home. It’s the
one my girls always request—
it’s so nurturing.
DON’T SKIP SUPPERTIME
When the kids were growing up,
we had dinner together as often
as we could—at least four times
a week. It was a priority for all of
us, the girls too. It was our time
to sit and talk as a family.
MANNERS MATTER
We were strict about being
respectful of others, and I’m
proud that my kids are very
considerate. It’s always “Could
you do this for me?” not “Do
this for me.”
MAKE TIME TOGETHER COUNT
The whole family went on tour
with us in the summer. On days
that we weren’t performing, we
would find a lake and have a
cookout—including the band and
crew. We were like one big family.
ENTERTAIN WITH EASE
Growing up, my daughters
always had friends come over to
hang out by the pool. We do the
same these days, swimming and
cooking with friends. I marinate
chicken breasts with lemon,
rosemary, and olive oil and
throw them on the grill. Then
we serve them with corn on
the cob, fresh sliced tomatoes,
and fried okra.
All Smiles Martina with husband
John; daughters Delaney, Emma,
and Ava; and dog Mae
