A Nashville label rejected Jo Dee Messina early on, citing her weight, but she persevered to achieve major success and is now releasing her first album in 12 years.

Country singer Jo Dee Messina revealed on "The Bobby Bones Show" that a Nashville label rejected her early in her career, citing her weight, telling her producer she’d have been signed if she were 10 pounds lighter. The 55-year-old artist, known for hits like "Heads Carolina, Tails California," said the comment devastated her and still affects her today. She credited her sister’s support for helping her persevere, leading to major success with her 1996 debut and double-platinum second album. Messina is now preparing to release her first studio album in 12 years, "Bridges," later this summer, with themes of healing and resilience.