LeAnn Rimes

On Jan. 3, 2000, Rimes kicked off the new year -- and the new millennium -- on a high note.

LeAnn Rimes has marked many career milestones over the years, but the time she performed for a Pope surely stands out in her mind.

Rimes' new album is a musical exploration of the meditation and inspirational chants that helped her battle depression and anxiety.

"Will these photos change the way I live?" she writes. "I honestly don’t know."

On Sept. 13, 1996, Rimes made her Grand Ole Opry debut.

Considering that Rimes shot to country music stardom at the fresh age of 14, she’s managed a pretty remarkable amount of longevity.

Millions of Americans go on vacation, cool off in a pool or pitch a tent during the summer, but how do country stars soak up the summer months?

The country music world has a lot of BFFs. No wonder the genre has so many great best friend songs.

On March 16, 1998, Rimes' debut single, "Blue," was certified gold, for sales in excess of 500,000 units.

The average country artist's career is, for the most part, well orchestrated and carefully plotted. But every once in a while, whether planned for or not, one small step can turn into a big deal.