GAC host Suzanne Alexander.

Here at GAC, we have the greatest hosts — Suzanne Alexander, Nan Kelley, Bill Cody and Storme Warren. They all sincerely love and respect country music and love every opportunity to connect with the fans. We asked Suzanne to recap 2009 and highlight some of her favorite moments:

So another year over and a new one’s about to begin…

I have to say, I definitely feel lucky and blessed to have had the year I had, considering all that was going on in this world. There were many highlights the world over too, like the “Miracle on the Hudson,” for one. What I wouldn’t give to have Sully flying a plane I was on!

Closer to home, more specifically in our GAC studios – I had many little miracles of my own, including getting to spend time with two of my biggest heroes, personal favorites I have been listening to forever. One since I was a kid; the other since I found her music in high school – Dolly and Reba, respectively. Looking back over this year, those two interviews stand out. Spending any time around them – talking to them – is still so surreal to me.

First it was Reba. A few months ago, she was promoting her new album, Keep On Loving You, and it just so happened that my mom was visiting me from NY (a rare thing), so it was nice that she was here to meet Reba.

Then just last month…Dolly – in our studio! Sure, I’ve interviewed her before, but never in our own studio with the time that I was given.

Picture this: me, a kid at my house, collecting any and all photos and stories on Dolly. I had a little scrapbook when I was in elementary school. I would add to it, and then hide it under the couch in the living room so my brother Stephen wouldn’t rip it up (We did that to each other when we got into fights. He would tear up stuff that I loved and I, in turn, would rip up his Sports Illustrated papers!). So I was taking all precautions to ensure that Dolly’s collection was safe!

A few years later…okay, lots of years later…here I am getting to sit next to this woman I have come to love. My call time was 8 a.m. , but on that morning, my internal clock had me up at 4 a.m.! It was like Christmas morning for me – and by the way, I am never early for work. On time? Yes. Early? No. I was at that studio before anyone, dressed and ready for makeup before Michael, my makeup guy, got there. Very unusual!

I was singing every Dolly song I knew. I wanted to make sure I brought my “game,” my best, because I know Dolly always brings hers. I was going to make sure I knew everything about what she was promoting. I was ready.

I have to say, as much of a freak as I was about this interview, Dolly made me feel very comfortable. I could’ve talked to her for hours. I tried, but I got the ol’ “wrap it up” sign from the floor director and was forced to end it. Oh well. Haha

Dolly said she loved doing the interview, and even told Shanna, our talent coordinator, to “Tell Suzanne thanks.” What? She knows my name?! I know you guys are like, “whatever…” but really. Dolly doesn’t have to know anyone, I don’t care who they are. Well, I’m sure she knows Oprah’s name…but still, she’s Dolly. We all know her, but for her to say MY name – that’s all I needed. What a year!

There were so many other highlights, like interviewing Kevin Costner. I felt like I’ve known him my whole life. I guess we all feel that way, with all of his movies. And oh – meeting Anne Murray for the first time! With her retirement, I don’t know if I’ll ever get the chance to talk to her again. She was just like you’d think she would be – very grounded and normal, like someone that lives next door to you. She’s so great.

Well, I hope you guys had a very Merry Christmas and I hope you have a Happy New Year! Thank you all for watching, for supporting the network. You give us the reason to do what we do, and allow us to pursue our dreams in country music broadcasting. Here’s to all of us who love this music, the songwriters and artists. May we all have a bigger and better 2010! To Health and Happiness! Salute!

Suzanne