Photo caption: Jo Dee Messina photo courtesy of MSO Public Relations.

Jo Dee Messina will host “Night of Nostalgia,” a big band swing and casino night, to raise money for the non-profit Holy Trinity Montessori School on March 3 at the Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville. The night will include an open bar, light fare, and dancing as well as a performance from Jo Dee.

“This isn’t about just a cause I believe in or the latest celebrity charity,” Jo Dee said. “I want this campaign to show that even in a time when people feel there is little hope, that there IS hope and dreams still DO come true.  I chose it because we need people from all over to carry us with their support to make this dream come true.” 

The school, founded in 2009, currently has 25 students enrolled and 45 on the wait list. Jo Dee launched the “A Million Doors” campaign last year to help raise $2.3 million for the school, with all funds going directly towards construction of a new schoolhouse. The new building will accommodate up to, but no more than, 125 children through the third grade and possibly up to the fifth.

Tickets for Night of Nostalgia are $60 and can be purchased at http://nostalgia2012.eventbrite.com.

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Country music stars sure love Twitter! This week, Rascal Flatts hangs with the quarterback of the moment, David Nail reflects on his first No. 1 single, John Rich shares the aftermath of his birthday bash, Jo Dee Messina tweets from labor and delivery and Jake Owen posts a hilarious video after his wisdom teeth extraction! Here are our picks for the Top 10 Country Tweets Of The Week.

Photo courtesy of Twitter.com/JayDeMarcus.

Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts – JayDemarcus: With our buddy Tebow yesterday… Great game!!

Taylor Swift – TaylorSwift13: Thank you so much for my People’s Choice Award! Favorite Country Artist! PARTY!!! Seriously- thank you for voting.

David Nail – DavidNail: Wife is in Vegas, so it’s me and the dogs tonight! Finally some time to myself to reflect just how amazing this week has been! Thank u!!!

Photo courtesy of Twitter.com/DierksBentley.

Dierks Bentley – DierksBentley: somehow the #redsolocup disco ball from the video wound up on my table at the studio I work out of. suggestions??!

Martina McBride – MartinaMcBride: I must be hormonal….Tattoos On This Town almost made me cry. Great song.

Jake Owen – JakeOwen: Just got em out.. http://yfrog.com/2map2z

Photo courtesy of Twitter.com/edensedge.

Edens Edge – EdensEdge: We were so thrilled to play on the @opry tonight. We got to sing “Christ Alone” around one mic

John Rich – JohnRich: There’s nothing like waking up to a Rooster crowing…IN YOUR HOUSE! Wow! What a throwdown!!!

Jo Dee Messina – JoDeeMessina: OMG! Ice chips never tasted so good. YUMMY

Photo courtesy of Twitter.com/thebandperry.

The Band Perry – TheBandPerry: Roll. Tide. (np)

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Photo caption: Jo Dee Messina photo courtesy of MSO Public Relations.

Congratulations to Jo Dee Messina and her husband Chris Deffenbaugh, who welcomed their second son to the family on Tuesday, January 11. Weighing in at 6lbs, 13oz, Jonah Christopher was born at 2:43 p.m. Central. He joins big brother Noah, 3.

“Noah couldn’t wait to hold his little brother,” Jo Dee said. “He’s so good with him. God has blessed us so much.”

Jo Dee reported from a Nashville hospital room Tuesday night that she, Chris, Noah and baby Jonah are all doing well.  Jo Dee chronicles her life as a working mom on her blog, www.FumblingMom.com. She will likely be blogging about Jonah soon!

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Jo Dee Messina photo courtesy of MSO Public Relations.

Jo Dee Messina and her husband Chris Deffenbaugh are expecting their second child in late January or early February and with the pending arrival, Jo Dee has launched a new parenting blog. The Fumbling Mom will officially launch in January and is inspired by Jo Dee’s day-to-day adventures as a mother.

Described by Jo Dee as “a humorous look at a working mom who doesn’t have all the answers… just some of them,” the blog gives fans a look into Jo Dee’s personal life and her life on the road. She also shares tips, personal family photos, and discusses the challenges of being a good mother while balancing her music career.

To celebrate the debut of the blog, Jo Dee is giving away a $100 gift certificale for a spa day. Now through December 14, five random twitter followers will be selected as winners. To enter, fans need to simply follow Jo Dee’s twitter account @fumblingmom and re-tweet the contest. For more information, visit www.fumblingmom.com/13571060977.

Jo Dee will release a new single in early. She will appear on an episode of HGTV’s Celebrity Holiday Homes airing December 18 at 8/7 CT as well as an upcoming episode of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, filmed during a recent writing session between her and cast member and former member of the group Xscape, Kandi Burruss. 

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Photo caption: Jo Dee Messina photo courtesy of MSO Public Relations.

Jo Dee Messina will release a new single in early 2012 (the song’s title will be released soon). But before she does, look for her on HGTV’s Celebrity Holiday Homes which airs December 18 at 8/7 CT. Designer Matthew Haly transformed Jo Dee’s Nashville home for the holidays, using natural elements. The episode also features actors Wayne Brady and Alison Sweeney.

“It was amazing to have HGTV come in the house to decorate,” Jo Dee said. “I guess living in my home and seeing it every day, I overlook decorating possibilities. I was blown away by what they came and did to the house. It was just so beautiful.”

Jo Dee’s TV appearances don’t end with HGTV. She will also appear on BRAVO’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Cameras were rolling during a recent writing session between her and cast member and former member of the group Xscape, Kandi Burruss. “I loved getting to write with Kandi,” Jo Dee said. “She’s so talented. I hope we get a chance to do it again real soon.”

In addition to her music, Jo Dee continues to work with several charitable endeavors. Earlier this year, she launched the A Million Doors campaign to raise money for Holy Trinity Montessori, a non-profit school in Nashville. Jo Dee is working with Kate Riley, the head of the school, to raise $2.3 million dollars to build a new school. GAC has partnered with Jo Dee to help spread the message in a new short special, GAC Heart of Country with Jo Dee Messina. Sponsored by Citracal, the 60-second spots will begin airing on GAC in early 2012.

“I was thrilled when GAC approached us about doing this piece,” Jo Dee said. “It gives people a chance to see the work I’m doing with AMillionDoors.com. I love the GAC Network, so I will be quite proud to see the piece run.”

Jo Dee is also expecting her second child. The new baby will join big brother Noah in late January or early February. Fans can catch Jo Dee perform her annual ‘Christmas in the Music Room’ show on Tuesday, December 20 at Nashville’s Opryland Hotel.

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Jo Dee Messina photo courtesy of jodeemessina.com.

Jo Dee Messina and her husband Chris are expecting baby No. 2, reports People.com. Jo Dee announced the good news on her Twitter account. “Our family is very excited. In a few months, Chris, Noah and I will be welcoming BABY #2!!!”

The new baby will join big brother Noah, who is 2 and a half, whom Jo Dee says is always in a good mood. “I get [Noah] out of his crib first thing in the morning and there he is — huge smile,” Jo Dee said. “He’s a very happy soul, which is a blessing.”

Congratulations to Jo Dee, Chris and Noah!

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Country music stars sure love Twitter! In this week’s edition of Top 10 Tweets, Lady Antebellum is honored with a corn maze, Kip Moore’s travel woes continue, Jerrod Niemann shares his thoughts, Tom McMillan of Tom’s Wild Life questions his job security after Sunday’s premiere and newcomer Charlie Worsham films his first appearance on GAC’s Top 20 Country Countdown before opening for Taylor Swift in Nashville. Here are our picks for the Top 10 Country Tweets Of The Week.

Photo courtesy of Twitter.com/ladyantebellum.

Lady Antebellum – LadyAntebellum: Look at this amazing corn maze in Columbia County, GA! Thank you to Steed’s Dairy for supporting Lady A in such a BIG way! How would you get through the maze?

Taylor Swift – TaylorSwift13: Winding down from a loud show in Louisiana– on my bus, eating candy out of a bowl like it’s Halloween.

Kip Moore – KipMooreMusic: So bags lost in Denver… No clothes, toothbrush, or money….perfect

Photo courtesy of Twitter.com/jrodfromoz.

Jerrod Niemann – JrodfromOz: Just a couple thoughts…

Trailer Choir – TrailerChoir: TRAILER CHOIR FANS are seriously AMAZING!! Thanks for all your support and for cheering for Vinny on “The Biggest Loser” HOLLA!!

Jake Owen – JakeOwen: Thanks to every person that went out and bought Barefoot Blue Jean Night. I just got a plaque for Platinum sales! 1,000,000 !!!! Unreal.

Photo courtesy of Twitter.com/charlieworsham.

Charlie Worsham – CharlieWorsham: Shooting Top 20 Countdown on @GACTV with Nan Kelley

Tom McMillan – tmkansas: Hey @gactv am I fired yet? #TomsWildLife

Jo Dee Messina – JoDeeMessina: Love is … carrying leftover mac and cheese 1/2 way across country, through security, on plane, for a 2 year old

Photo courtesy of Twitter.com/edensedge.

Edens Edge – EdensEdge: This is why having a pet in the city is NOT the same a having a pet in the country.

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Jo Dee Messina photo courtesy of jodeemessina.com.

Back in April, Jo Dee Messina announced her A Million Doors campaign to help raise $2.5 million for a nonprofit school, the Holy Trinity Montessori, in Nashville by donating proceeds from the sale of her song “Carry Me.” She was also working on a benefit concert for the school, scheduled for Saturday, June 25 in Pittsburg, Kansas, but the funds from the show are now going to help victims of the tornadoes that devastated Joplin, MO. The concert’s promoter, Al Zar, lived in Joplin and lost everything during the storms. Jo Dee and Katie Riley, the head of the school Jo Dee is raising funds for, decided the Red Cross needed the money more.

“After the tornados, I reached out to Al, knowing they hit close to where we were having the concert,” Jo Dee said. “He lost everything.  When I told Kate about this, she was saddened and suggested that if the shows do happen that they should give the money to him.  When my management offered this to Al, he said, ‘Instead of me, why don’t we offer the proceeds to all the people in Joplin, by donating proceeds to the Joplin Red Cross?’ And so we are!”

Jo Dee isn’t the only country artist jumping in to lend a hand to the people of Joplin through her music. Sugarland, along with their friends Little Big Town, have released a special performance and video clip of “Stand Up” from their The Incredible Machine album to iTunes, dubbed “Stand Up (For Tornado Relief).” All proceeds from sales will go to the Red Cross.  The song and video clip was filmed in Chicago and Minneapolis.

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Sara Evans photo courtesy of Sony Music Nashville.

Sara Evans – When Sara married husband Jay Barker, her brood swelled to seven. She told GAC during a visit to Top 20 Country Countdown that all of them will hit the road with her when she goes on tour with Rascal Flatts later this summer.

Martina McBride and daughters Ava, Delaney & Emma. Photo by Cheryl Ecton.

Martina McBride – Martina and husband John have three daughters (above) and this superstar mom is navigating the teenage waters, both at home and with her new single, “Teenage Daughters.” You can catch Martina and all three of her girls on this week’s episode of Top 20 Country Countdown!

Shania Twain photo by Mark Abrahams, courtesy of Sandbox Management.

Shania Twain – Despite the ups and downs in her personal life, Shania has remained a dedicated mother to her son, Eja. She once said in a Redbook interview that her greatest hope was for him to grow up “to be well-rounded, humble and honest, without having to be deprived to develop that character.”

Reba McEntire photo courtesy of The Valory Music Co.

Reba McEntire – Anyone who follows this redhead on Twitter knows she is her son Shelby’s biggest fan. Shelby, a race car driver, can count on his mom to be tweeting with pride from track side during his races.

Faith Hill photo by Andrew Southam, courtesy of Warner Bros. Nashville.

Faith Hill – Not only is Faith married to Tim McGraw, she’s also the mother of three beautiful girls. Faith puts family first, taking her girls out on the road with her during tours and keeping their lives as normal as possible, despite their parents’ celebrity status.

Lee Ann Womack photo courtesy of UMG Nashville.

Lee Ann Womack – Lee Ann is the proud mother to two girls. With husband Frank, she and her daughters, Anna and Aubrey, even coordinate their Halloween costumes, she once told The Boot.

Linda Davis photo courtesy of artist.

Linda Davis – All moms like to brag, but Linda’s bragging rights are hard to beat! She’s the mother of Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott, who has been known to turn up and sing with her mother during her shows.

Ashton Shepherd photo courtesy of UMG Nashville.

Ashton Shepherd – Ashton Shepherd is mom to 5-year-old James and besides a brand new album due out later this year, Ashton also has the birth of her second child to look forward to this fall!

Jo Dee Messina photo courtesy of jodeemessina.com.

Jo Dee Messina – Jo Dee is a busy mom to 2-year-old Noah, but that doesn’t stop her from helping out others in need. Most recently, Jo Dee launched the A Million Doors Campaign to help fund the construction of a new school in Nashville.

Gretchen Wilson photo courtesy of Sony Music Nashville.

Gretchen Wilson – Gretchen might be known for rowdy songs better suited for a honky tonk than a bedside lullaby, but she’s got a soft spot for daughter Grace, who travels with her mom to shows.

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Jo Dee Messina photo courtesy of jodeemessina.com.

Jo Dee Messina has launched the A Million Doors Campaign in an effort to raise $2.3 million dollars for Holy Trinity Montessori School in Nashville. The funds will go towards building a brand new 6,000 square-foot school building to house up to 125 students. Jo Dee wrote a special song for the effort called “Carry Me” which is available for a $1 donation at www.amilliondoors.com.

“If you contribute one dollar, you can help make a dream come true,” said Jo Dee. “I tour around the country and spend a great deal of time listening to people’s stories. Lately it seems that with all the sadness in the news–wars, politics, economy, etc.–people need a little restoration of hope.”

Jo Dee worked closely with her label, Curb Records, and the songwriter of “Carry Me” for the single’s release. Mike Curb, President of Curb Records, allowed Jo Dee to release the single independently and the songwriter, Jared Anderson, waived his royalties to allow all funds from the purchase of the song to go towards the school.  Jo Dee will also raise funds through a series of concerts (dates to be announced).

“This isn’t about just a cause I believe in or the latest celebrity charity,” said Jo Dee. “I want this campaign to show that even in a time when people feel there is little hope, that there IS hope and dreams still DO come true.  I chose it because we need people from all over to carry us with their support to make this dream come true.”

Jo Dee has a reputation for devoting herself to causes she believes in. She has served as an ambassador for the Special Olympics, organized 5K charity runs for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Christmas performances benefitting downtown Nashville’s Harvest Hands Community Development Corporation and, most recently, participated in a speaking engagement benefitting the Red Cross.

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