State worker has sights set on country career

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September 23, 2006

By RONNIE ELLIS The Glasgow Daily Times Sat Sep 23, 2006, 02:00 PM CDT

FRANKFORT — Most days Mitzi Pearce works in the office of Gov. Ernie Fletcher’s general counsel, facilitating the extradition of prisoners in Kentucky who are wanted for crimes in other states.

Or, helping bring those facing charges in Kentucky back to the state from other states to which they’ve fled.

But Patsy Cline is on Pearce’s mind.

The married mother of two pre-schoolers has “sung forever” and she’s being encouraged by friends and associates to pursue a professional career. She’s even looking for a band to back her or one looking for a lead singer.

Thursday night, Pearce, 31, sang at the World Chicken Festival in London and got the thrill of her life.

“When I walked off stage and some people asked for my autograph,” she said, “I had to pinch myself.”

A Louisville native who lives in Shelbyville, Pearce works for Jim Deckard, who is Fletcher’s general counsel, and before that when Deckard worked for Chief Justice Joseph Lambert. Previously she worked for a law firm.

But onstage, Pearce is all country.

“I sing some gospel and I can sing pop,” she said, “but country music is who I am.”

Her earliest memories are of singing for her parents and then later at family gatherings and at church. She’s won prizes in such contests as Frankfort Idol and she’s going to perform in a talent contest at Renfro Valley on Oct. 8. She’s thinking – with lots of encouragement from friends – about entering the Nashville Star competition, which is televised on the Country Music Television network.

“I just love to perform and I love to sing,” Pearce said. “That’s when I’m happiest, and the fact that people like it and come to see me is just awesome.”

More awesome would be if her father were to see her make it professionally as a singer. He’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.

“He loves to hear me sing. No matter what kind of day he’s had, when he hears me sing, his face just lights up,” she said. “That’s what made me decide I need to go for this now because if anything should come of this, I want him to see it.”

Deckard relies on Pearce, but he wants her to succeed in her dream as well.

“Mitzi is just such an extraordinary talent,” Deckard said. “I think the world of her professionally. We just hope all of her dreams come true.”

And if they don’t, Pearce said, that’s all right, too.

“I’m 31 and have a family. I don’t have my head in the clouds,” Pearce said. “I’m happy right now, and I’m not going to sacrifice my family and spending time with my husband and children for anybody or anything. If it happens, great. If it doesn’t, I’m fine.”

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