Jo Dee Messina

There are many -- too many -- country stars who have had cancer or have been personally affected by it in some way.

When Brooks' "More Than a Memory" debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, it broke a record ... that was only one week old.

Messina songs have a lot of attitude.

On Aug. 18, 1998, Messina landed at No. 1 on the Billboard country singles chart with "I'm Alright."

It's true: The song that launched Bryan to superstardom was only a Top 5 hit.

The singer admits that as a young artist, she was terrified that Brooks might cover her song, "Heads Carolina, Tails California."

"I spent my entire career, my entire life, glorifying myself," Messina says. "It's time for Him."

"I was by myself in a hotel room, and we were on a radio tour ..."

Some of its biggest stars -- yes, even the ones who sing drinking songs -- are sober.

On April 17, 2006, Messina ran the Boston Marathon ... and completed the race, even after injuring her knee.