The phrase “Behind every great man is a great woman” is applicable to Jamie Addkison Anderson of Smithville, Tennessee. The definition of the popular quote is that “a successful man typically has a strong and supportive woman in his personal life who has helped him achieve his goals.” Her long-time husband, country music iconic legend, John Anderson, would agree. And, for their three grandchildren, they have been renamed “Pop and Lolli” Anderson.
The musical couple moved to Smithville, DeKalb County, Tennessee following their August 25, 1983 wedding – 40 years ago. They met in Jamie’s hometown of Corpus Christie, Texas at a John Anderson concert. Jamie, too, had a flare for music and was a part of the singing group also performing during Anderson’s musical set at the Country Palace in Corpus Christie. It wasn’t long until the talented couple began talking about marriage and children.
In retrospect, John’s blood was boiling toward wanting to write profitable songs for his fans and for various musical venues. Following his recollection of visiting various locales, he landed on and instantly chose Smithville, which offered everything that he wanted in a small and private home base. Within two years following their marriage, the couple constructed their exquisite house near Center Hill Lake and they have lived in this same house for more than 38 years. It is a quiet and serene location filled with a habitat of various hunting and fishing species for John to enjoy. It was later in our lives that Jamie and I befriended each other and were rearing our children during the same time span. One night during the early 1980’s, Jamie called and asked if I would spend the night with her, which I did. John was performing in Alabama. Later in the evening, we were joined by our mutual friend, Dianna Whaley – so the slumber party evolved along with popcorn, iced tea, and mugs filled with black coffee. I, too, was married with one child, Jim. John and Jamie had Bri. Alexa hadn’t yet been born. For notoriety, Jim and Bri are attorneys in different Tennessee locales – Bri in Hendersonville and Jim in Murfreesboro. The only difference is that Bri has three children today – Stella, Everett, and Wyatt – the crux of their lives. Her married name is now Bri Anderson Motsenbocker. Her sweet and kind husband is Eric Motsenbocker, a Davidson County physician. She and her growing young family now live in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Jamie and John also have a townhouse in the vicinity with 24/7 visiting, loving, and helping privileges. It also serves as a wonderful family location for meeting and overnight trips.
I do remember when Jamie was pregnant with Alexa Kate. It was not an easy pregnancy or delivery but Jamie came through successfully but with a few more tears and gray hairs. Throughout the years, I have watched Bri and Lexie grow into kind and gorgeous adults. Today, Lexie is newly married and has taken the McClish surname. She and her husband live close to her parents on their DeKalb County farm. According to Jamie, the newlyweds visit frequently and the four family members share many meals together. Just recently married, Lexie’s husband is a proud and retired member of the Special Operational Forces of the United States military.
One of, if not, their first business ventures in Smithville was “John Anderson’s Country BBQ.” I do recall how much the clientele ravished in the homemade breads and grilled steaks. The interior was symbolic of the Andersons – plain and simple but very tastefully done. Sadly, following its lengthy tenure, it closed, much to the disappointment of the local citizens. And, of course, there was Jamie, front and center, seating and welcoming the guests, who visited from various locations throughout the southeast. The restaurant was constructed on property located adjacent to their home’s location on Cordell Love Road. For several years following, the Anderson’s and their family members would dine at the restaurant. When thriving and publicly operational, the delectable rolls and breads made at the restaurant were made by John’s mother, Miss Juanita who kept the recipes hidden in her mind and in her heart.
Another Anderson popular venue was Miroir Salon, located prominently on West Main Street, downtown Smithville. Its combined structure was borderline ornate yet focused on Southern charm and simplicity. Each calming feature was hand-chosen by Jamie. She developed every inch of the building – from the pedicure chairs to the shampoo bowls to the coffee station. It was where I first met Chelene Terry Duggin. It was where I learned of Jim passing the horrendous Tennessee Bar exam on his first try in 2010. It was where I first asked Jamie to add hair extensions and false eyelashes in early 2006! It was the epitome of graciousness. It was a place that I will never forget. In my memory, I can still feel the love and hear the laughter as it constantly approached the maximum level of deafness.
Within the vicinity of 2015, Jamie founded the Jamie a. Boutique, also located in downtown Smithville. Currently, the boutique is closed but was active and vibrant during its operating time. The Facebook entry read, “For all your fun, sassy to classy clothing, jewelry, and accessories, shop the Jamie a. Boutique today.” Truthfully, there has never been a more beautiful, kind, and loving person than Jamie. I always wanted to dress just like her. Problem was – I overpowered her in size and weight! She is the epitome of class! For her, size does not matter. She loves and accepts the person – not from where they came from but for whom they are.
Sadly, during this time span, Jamie became alarmed and petrified when she found a knot in her breast – later having a mastectomy as her diagnosis was labeled breast cancer. It was during this time, she said that her faith in GOD surmounted everything in her life. The horrific diagnosis “strengthened my faith. It made me stronger in faith. It was truly a closer walk with God,” she somberly remembered. As of today, Jamie has been cancer-free for 22 years. It should be noted that many years ago, Jamie recorded several Christian CD’s (compact discs) which are available for purchase through a personal email notification. Mom spent many untold hours listening to Jamie sing “How Great Thou Art.” In October, 2006, I was a stroke patient in a Nashville hospital and one of my first visitors was Jamie. It was a precious gesture I, nor my family, will ever forget. And, just recently, the florist knocked on my door, carrying a beautiful floral arrangement from Jamie for no particular reason, except she loved me. The feeling is, and always has been, mutual.
When asked what was the most difficult part of being married to a legendary entertainer, Jamie said, “The loneliness, especially being alone.” Also, “rearing children by yourself.” She attended the majority of John’s Country Music Awards programming throughout the years. “I stayed by his side the entire time.” And, yes, she enjoyed seeing the fashions worn by the other clientele attending the programs, such as Dolly Parton, Trisha Yearwood, Nichole Kidman, Reba McIntire, and Kelly Clarkson. I would venture to guess that Mrs. John Anderson took home the honors for “Best Dressed.”
Concerning her better-half, Jamie loudly expressed her delight, “John’s still touring!!!” As relief flowed over me, I uncovered where the icon had been for the past few years. “He’s now singing a cappella – singing and accompanied only by his guitar.” Meriam-Webster classifies it as “singing with only one instrument. It uses only the human voice.” Pop has been singing duets with several entertainers, such as Blake Shelton, John Rich, etc. “Furthermore,” Lolli continued, “Pop now sings an intimate concert. He writes all the songs for the sets.” How I wish they would record a Christmas album together – for posterity if for no other reason. Not to mention, there are only very few mediocre Christmas albums currently available for listening to or for purchasing.
When asked where he had been for the past years, he smiled and said, “For the past five years, I have been introducing a Capella musical program to my audiences.” It’s a new venture for Anderson and is vastly appreciated by his fans. Just imagine – John Anderson and his guitar – only! His voice is stronger today than ever before. John is now 69-years-old and Jamie is 70-years-old. Again, they have been married for 40 years. In keeping with today’s social media, both have Facebook pages, while John also is on Instagram. Interested individuals can visit his pages to find his touring schedule. When asked what is the most difficult part of being married to an entertainer, Jamie said, “The loneliness, especially being alone.” Also, “rearing children by yourself. I miss John when we’re not together.”
In conclusion and continuation, author Meryll Frost (1945) continued writing: “…Since the woman takes care of things at home and on the outside, contributes to the well-being of her family and maintains the needed harmony and balance in her family, she can help her man succeed. A great woman is simply going to be outstanding in all these areas to help her man be great.”
Jamie is a survivor, plain and simple. She has survived breast cancer, various dangerous surgeries, maintained and operated a large house, overlooked John’s fishing and hunting perils, attended a multitude of musical concerts, endured families and friends’ illnesses and deaths, experienced loneliness and fear, rearing two children in today’s society, continuing her educational advancement, managing three downtown businesses, all while maintaining her sanity and her mental health. She never winced nor complained. Every day of her life, she gives, never expecting anything in return. I am honored to be among her many friends for 38 years!
Jamie Addkinson Anderson.
You are that great woman!!!
