Five nights in Manhattan means five runs in Central Park.

"The reason I'm late calling you is because I was at a TAG class," Jo Dee Messina said during a recent phone interview. "They put you on a treadmill at the YMCA and they run you until your legs fall off."

It is a relatively new habit, something she originally picked up as a means to lose weight. Now the country singer is talking about getting into better shape, maybe taking a shot at the New York City Marathon.

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A woman once told country star Jo Dee Messina about a hurtful act someone had done, and Messina replied: "That would have hurt my feelings."

"Really?" the woman replied, going by Messina's trademark sassiness. "You get your feelings hurt?"

That anecdote, Messina says, illustrates the reason for her intimate Music Room Series Tour, which she is bringing to Munhall on Saturday. With a smaller audience, Messina will sing on a simple stage with just a piano and a few backing musicians. She will talk to the audience in between songs, take requests, answer questions and share stories about her life and music.

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The Post

A two-time Grammy nominee who has sold more than five million albums will bring her storytelling-style show to Athens tonight.

Country singer Jo Dee Messina will perform at 8 tonight in Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium, and tickets are still available. The performance cost is estimated to be about $25,000, which will be covered by ticket sales, said Andrew Holzaepfel, associate director of the Campus Involvement Center.

The Post's Ashley Luthern spoke to Messina about her tour, upcoming album and future plans.

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Although Holliston, Massachusetts, may seem to be the most unlikely place for a country star to be born, over the past fourteen years, Jo Dee Messina has consistently ranked among the genre’s best. To date, she has racked up nine #1 singles in addition to two platinum and three gold records. Also, Messina has received two GRAMMY nominations: “Best Female Country Vocal Performance” (for “That’s the Way”) and “Best Country Collaboration” (for “Bring on the Rain,” which featured long-time collaborator Tim McGraw).

As the first singer to have three #1 singles from a single album, Jo Dee has set the standard for the contemporary crop of female musicians. And with the release of her forthcoming album on April 13,, Messina will add to an impressive sales count of more than five million records. Beyond all shadow of a doubt, the title of her sixth project gives an “unmistakable” nod to her musical legacy and lasting influence.

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With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, not everyone is in the spirit – especially the recently unengaged.

Never fear – country singer Jo Dee Messina has been there before, and has a great pick-me-up. Now married to Chris Deffenbaugh since October 2007, the 40-year-old singer known for hits including Bye-Bye, Burn and Heads California, Tails California is mom to son Noah, 1. more!