Juggling a successful music career and a large family can be difficult, but it’s a challenge multi-platinum country superstar Sara Evans handles with aplomb.

Currently on the road wrapping up an 11-city Christmas tour, Evans will be returning home shortly to work on her eighth studio album and first on Sugar Hill Records, after recently signing with Concord Music Group.

Even with all of her music (and mom) duties, Evans took some time out of her busy schedule to talk to us about her 2016 and reflect on a year filled with family, fun and finding some positivity in the world.

Most important lesson you learned, or that was reinforced, in 2016: Family is EVERYTHING! It’s not a new lesson, but definitely one that was reinforced this year.

Person who floored you with their kindness this year: Dolly Parton. I love what she is doing to support the families affected by the East Tennessee fires.

Moment that made you cry tears of sadness: When the world lost Merle Haggard.

Moment that made you cry tears of joy: There are too many great moments with my family to choose from!

The most interesting, or random, opportunity that came your way in 2016: Todd Chrisley and I wrote a song for his wife’s birthday, and we performed it at her birthday party. Their whole family is so sweet. I loved getting to be a part of their celebration.

Favorite moment on a tour bus in 2016: Whenever my kids, or my niece, Milly, are able to come out with me.

Personal travel horror story of 2016: My band’s bus broke down three times on the way to a show. I was at the venue and ready to go on, but my crew couldn’t get there in time. We had to reschedule the show. My band and I were so disappointed to have to let the fans down, but sometimes things are just out of your control.

Favorite concert you performed in 2016: I just performed my first Christmas show of the season in Birmingham with so many friends and family in the audience. It was such a sweet kickoff to my holiday tour.

Favorite concert you attended in 2016: Two of my kids – Avery and Olivia – played together in a band for a Halloween party this year. It was such a proud mom moment!

Most moving fan interaction you had this year: I hate when any child is suffering, but I love when I’m able to meet with terminally ill children and offer them a bright moment in what was probably a rough week.

Favorite “mom” moment of 2016: I love cooking for my family, and I had a lot of moments this year where I got to teach my girls some of our family secrets. Those moments were really special.

Most difficult “mom” moment of 2016: Balancing a blended family with seven kids and a successful music career is never an easy feat. Being a mom comes first, always, but I still try and get out to see my fans as much as possible.

Craziest thing you did to prepare for your appearance on Celebrity Family Feud: We had buzzer-slapping practice before we started the game. It’s all in the wrist!

Favorite new musical discovery: Maren Morris! I’m excited to see what she does in 2017.

Album that stayed in heavy rotation in your personal playlist in 2016: John Mayer will always be in my playlist.

Favorite new TV addiction: This is Us.

Favorite movie you watched in 2016: I was on the bus one day, and Steel Magnolias was on, and I ended up getting sucked in and watching the whole thing. I forgot how much I loved that movie.

Most embarrassing song you caught yourself singing along to this year: If you like a song, you like a song. I don’t think anyone should feel embarrassed for their personal tastes in music, no matter how out there it is.

Thing from 2016 you hope stays in 2016: All the negativity associated with the election. It’s over, and now it’s time to look to making 2017 the best it can be no matter who you voted for.

Thing you’re most looking forward to in 2017: Let’s just say I’ve been working on some new music. ;)

See your favorite artists' best and worsts of the year by visiting our 20 Questions page.