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"Tonya started singing before she could talk!" says Tonya's mother. Bouncing, skipping, running and jumping (never walking), Tonya sang along with her favorite country stars. At the age of seven Tonya showed interest in the pop world and recorded her first song, "Lost in your eyes" by Debbie Gibson at Barbara Mandrell's studio in Nashville. Even at such a young age, it was obvious that Tonya was a natural.
The following years, Tonya would sing both country and pop at various local events. She recorded three cassettes that featured both styles of music. "She really does have a versatile voice" says Tonya's mother. Tonya's father worked at Loretta Lynn's dude ranch selling merchandise and performing magic shows. Tonya would sing at the ranch, making fans from all around the world. Tonya then went by the name Tee-Jay (or TJ) Tucker, named after her favorite country artist Tanya Tucker. "Tonya and her father were a two-person show. They were always together and he was her biggest fan" says Tonya's mother. While singing at a St. Jude's charity benefit in 1998, Tonya was discovered by Justin Timberlake's grandfather. "*NSYNC wasn't known at this time, so we didn't know who they were. All I could say was Justin who?" laughs Tonya. She soon began start on her pop career by signing to Justin's then management company "Just In Time Entertainment".
Tonya then recorded a video demo to shop to record companies. "One of them even offered her a deal on the spot" says Tonya's mother. Tonya ended up signing with Universal/Motown Records in late 1999. In the year 2000 Tonya began recording her twelve song debut album "I REPRESENT", which was released in April of 2001. "We recorded this whole album in six months!" says Tonya. Her song "Broken Promises" was an instant radio hit, even appearing on the Casey Kasem & Rick Dees top 40 countdown! Accompanying *NSYNC on their pop odyssey tour was just the icing on the cake for Tonya. "It was an amazing experience, my dream was coming true!" says Tonya.
In June of 2001, Tonya's father proudly toured with Tonya on her bus. "It was father's day, I wished him a Happy Father's Day on stage in front of 50,000 people. He was so proud that he stood and waved.. it was so cute" says Tonya. Little did Tonya know, her world was about to come crashing down. In July of 2001, Tonya's father passed away. As if that weren't enough, within the next few months Tonya would be dropped from her management and record company as well. "It didn't seem like things could get worse" recalls Tonya.
In 2002 Tonya found the love of her life and they soon married. "It's amazing how life changes in the blink of an eye. I'm so happy again" says Tonya. In early 2004, Tonya and her husband, Jason welcomed their first child in to the world. "I feel that they are angels. They really helped me get my life back on track." exclaims Tonya.
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