Gretchen Wilson Records Classic Christmas Tune With Daughter

Gretchen Wilson is loving the perks of running her own record label, especially having the freedom to cut a song just because she likes it! The singer has recorded the classic children's Christmas song, 'I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas,' which was originally recorded by 10-year-old Gayla Peevey in 1953. Gretchen added her own touch to the song by having her 8-year-old daughter, Grace, and several kids from Grace's class come into the studio to sing on the track.

"This is such a fun, silly song," says Gretchen. "And having my daughter and her friends in the studio with me made it really special."

Fans who attended Charlie Daniels' sold-out Christmas for Kids concert last month in Nashville got a sneak peak of the song, which was officially shipped to radio this week.

Next month, Gretchen's former label, Columbia Nashville, will be releasing her first 'Greatest Hits' album. The 11-track CD will include the huge hits 'Redneck Woman,' 'Here For The Party,' 'Homewrecker' and more. Her latest single, 'Work Hard, Play Harder,' is at radio now. The single is being offered as a free download in PEOPLE magazine's December country music issue.