Connie Britton, 45 adopted her son, Yoby, 2 after the death of her father. At that time in her life she knew that motherhood was for her even though she wasn’t married, so she pursued adopting a baby from Ethiopia.

“Being a single mom is challenging, but never in a million years would that have stopped me. You get an idea in your head and you’re going to do it,” the actress tells More.

When asked about handling motherly duties and long days of filming her hit TV show, she says it’s hard.

“The schedule is insane to the point where I lose a lot of sleep at night worrying about how little time I have to sleep and mostly what little time I have to be with my son,” Connie says.

But it sounds like Yoby is having a good time.

“The flip side of that is, he’s doing great. He comes to the set every day,” the mother says. “As working moms go, at least I have that luxury.”

The actress now feels like motherhood has made her able to relate to others more.

“I have a deeper understanding of how most people are just trying to do the best they can,” she said.

Connie talks about her admiration for Yoby

“One of my favorite qualities is that he has an enormous curiosity about everything, but he’s not stupid about it,” the star explains. “He wants to open and close doors, but he immediately learned that he’d better watch where his fingers are.”

Do you find it hard to juggle work and motherhood, Hollymoms?

– Nicole Weaver

More Connie Britton News:

1. ‘Nashville’ Recap: Rayna Learns The ‘Truth’ About Teddy’s ‘Affair’
   
2. ‘Nashville’ Recap: Juliette & Rayna End Their Feud — But For How Long?
3. ‘Nashville’: Edward Burns Wants To Guest Star On Hit Show

The Dec. 5 winter finale of Nashville gave faithful fans the multiple payoffs we’ve been waiting for. Not only was Rayna (Connie Britton) finally made aware of Teddy’s (Eric Close) shady dealings, but Gunnar also finally (Sam Palladio) stopped tip-toeing around his feelings for Scarlett (Clare Bowen)! Of course, neither couple really ended the episode in a good place.

Teddy swore the pictures were misleading, and that no affair took place, but Rayna was still understandably pissed to learn about all the money he’d embezzled — and that her own family had hid the truth from her. Things got even messier when Maggie (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) tried to kill herself, creating a frenzy of speculation, and forcing Rayna to stand by her man at a press conference.

And it looks like all that drama at home might just be what Rayna needs to agree to go on tour with Juliette (Hayden Panettiere) after all!

As for Gunnar, he finally planted a big ol’ wet one on Scarlett, who seemed surprisingly resistant to his advances. The awkwardness nearly tore them apart, but when they got their first real song offer, they popped champagne and forgot about all their problems. I’m really curious to see what the future holds for these two. They’re in danger of becoming too vanilla, but as long as they keep churning out beautiful tunes, I’ll remain invested.

Sophie, I Mean, Avery’s Choice:

Scarlett’s ex also got his big break this week when Dominic King (Wyclef Jean) offered to make him a star; and please notice I said “him” and hot “he and his band,” as Dom said he’s only interested in Avery (Jonathan Jackson). He protested at first, but if history is any indication, Avery will probably end up choosing himself first. He sucks like that.

Juliette, Girl, You Crazy:

Is it just me, or is Juliette willing to do anything for a little sex? After Sean (Tilky Jones) told her he’s saving himself for marriage, she scored an invite to church to get closer to his family; and after his mom told her to GTFO out of his life, she proposed to him! The episode ended on that little cliffhanger, but considering the promo for the show’s January return revealed Juliette flashing her engagement ring and riding in a limo wearing a wedding dress, I guess we have our answer!

Sex, No Drugs, And Rock & Roll

It’s funny how Deacon (Charles Esten) started the season torn between Rayna and Juliette, but after this episode, it looks like he’s about to leave them both behind. He got a lucrative offer to tour with the Revel Kings, and after Juliette bitched him out for trying to reunite her with her mom, I’m thinking he’d be wise to get away. Putting some distance between himself and all that drama is exactly what he needs. #TeamDeacon

What did you think of Nashville‘s winter finale? Do you think Teddy is still hiding something from Rayna? Is Juliette crazy for popping the question? And how do you think Gunnar and Scarlett’s situation will resolve itself? Drop me a comment with your thoughts and theories!

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

More Nashville on HollywoodLife.com:

1. ‘Nashville’ Recap: Juliette & Rayna End Their Feud — But For How Long?
2. ‘Nashville’ Recap: Rayna & Scarlett Stand By Their Men
3. ‘Nashville’ Recap: Juliette Freaks Out On National Television

Rayna (Connie Britton) and Juliette (Hayden Panettiere) went head to head, and eventually mic to mic, on the Nov. 28 episode of Nashville. After a heated showdown between the dueling divas, they ultimately made nice and performed a killer song they wrote together. Dare I say they actually seemed to have fun? I give ‘em about two more episodes before they’re back at each other’s throats and all is right with the world.

Sadly for Juliette, the beautiful music she made onstage didn’t translate to her love life. She was prepared to have a full-on naked party with Sean (Tilky Jones), but her football fella wasn’t ready to go all the way. She screamed at him for being gay — which he later proved he is not — then kicked him out. Ah, young love.

Fresh off her split from Avery (Jonathan Jackson), Scarlett (Clare Bowen) went hit the city for a girls’ night out, though things got pretty messy when Gunnar (Sam Palladio) freaked out at some guy for kissing her. Drunk and confused, Scarlett hailed a cab to Avery’s place, only to find him with Marilyn — post-coitus! That girl can’t catch a break, but hey, at least she’s pretty.

I still no curr about Teddy’s political subplot, but I’ll admit, it got a little juicy this week. Coleman threatened to release photos of Teddy making cozy times with Peggy (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) if he didn’t voluntarily drop out of the race, and judging by the promo for next week’s episode, I’m thinking Rayna doesn’t handle the revelation too well.

In fact, next week’s episode — the winter finale, to be more specific — looks like it’s going to be a rough ride for everybody: Gunnar kisses Scarlett, Juliette fights for Sean’s love, and the head of the record label tries to push a joint tour on Rayna. Again.

What did you think of this week’s episode? Will Rayna and Juliette’s cease fire last, or like me, are you excited to see them back to their usual cat fights? Go on, drop a comment!

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

More Nashville on HollywoodLife.com:

1. ‘Nashville’ Recap: Rayna & Scarlett Stand By Their Men
2. ‘Nashville’ Recap: Juliette Freaks Out On National Television
3. ‘Nashville’ Recap: Rayna Learns A Shocking Family Secret

Edward Burns wants to get a little bit country, as he revealed to HollywoodLife.com that he hopes to guest star on ABC’s Nashville. Ed spoke to us at Tribeca Film’s screening of The Fitzgerald Family Christmas on Nov. 27 in NYC which was sponsored by American Express, and he even told us about the character he would love to play!

Ed is close friends with Connie Britton, who stars on Nashville as Rayna James, and at his premiere he expressed interest in appearing on the show.

“If they ever asked me [to be on it], absolutely,” he said. “Connie does the right thing by me. … I would have to try to figure why the New Yorker is down there. I would like to be the corrupt record producer.”

That sounds awesome!

What do YOU think HollywoodLifers? Would you like to see Ed appear on Nashville?

– Eleanore Hutch

More Nashville News:

1. ‘Nashville’ Recap: Rayna & Scarlett Stand By Their Men
2. ‘Nashville’ Recap: Rayna Learns A Shocking Family Secret
3. ‘Nashville’ Recap: Rayna & Deacon Make Sweet Music Together

After weeks of awkward sexual tension between Rayna (Connie Britton) and Deacon (Charles Eston), the country queen finally made a declaration on the Nov. 7 episode of Nashville: Her marriage to Teddy (Eric Close) is the most important thing to her. And she sealed it with a ‘click,’ rejecting Deacon’s late-night phone call — from jail.

Deacon had gotten into a little scuffle with a heckler outside the Bluebird and ended up in the back of a squad car; and Rayna might have been more likely to take Deacon’s call if she’d been aware of Teddy’s big secret.

We learned this week that Maggie (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) helped Teddy embezzle $2 million to help make ends meet. He claims they never hooked up, even though Maggie definitely wanted to, but a nosy photographer caught them holding hands at the end of the episode — so I guess we’ll all know the truth soon.

Mommy issues:

With an extra push from Deacon, Juliette (Hayden Panettiere) was able to coerce her mother into rehab — but not before Jolene (Sylvia Jefferies) squeezed in one last little bender. And yes, waking up with some guy in your undies, then slapping your daughter, counts as a little bender for Jolene.

In all seriousness, though, I think Juliette/Jolene was my favorite part of the episode. Hayden and Sylvia are really selling this storyline, and I’m curious to see what their relationship is going to be like post-rehab.

Juliette returned Deacon’s favor by bailing him out of jail, totally unaware that she wasn’t exactly his first choice. It’s been a while since Rayna and Juliette actually crossed paths, but when they do, they’re going to have a whole lot more to fight talk about.

Three’s a crowd:

Nashville‘s other love triangle also took an unexpected turn, as Scarlett (Clare Bowen), Gunnar (Sam Palladio) and Avery (Jonathan Jackson) agreed to settle their differences with a threesome — a musical threesome. But a jealous Avery overpowered Scarlett and Gunnar’s voices with his guitar, costing them a major recording opportunity. So… worst threesome ever.

Avery and Gunnar nearly came to fisticuffs at one point, even after Scarlett made it clear she’d chosen to stay with him. Gunnar tried to explain that he and Scarlett were just “acting,” to which Avery accused him of being a “good actor.”

And that’s actually true!

Are you rooting for Scarlett to leave Avery for Gunnar? How long do you predict it’ll take Rayna to change her mind? And who do you think hired the photographer to follow Teddy? Drop a comment with your predictions.

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

More Nashville on HollywoodLife.com:

1. ‘Nashville’ Recap: Juliette Freaks Out On National Television
2. ‘Nashville’ Recap: Rayna Learns A Shocking Family Secret
3. A New ‘Nashville’ Scandal, Vanessa’s 90210 Return & More TV Scoop

“Mommy issues” doesn’t even begin to describe the Oct. 24 episode of Nashville. Not only did Juliette (Hayden Panettiere) have a messy confrontation with her crack-head mother, but Rayna (Connie Britton) discovered a shocking secret about her own — and it turns out the adulterous apple doesn’t fall from the tree.

During a friendly chat with her sister, Rayna learned their mother had been carrying on a 10-year affair when she died. And not just with anyone; she was in love with a singer/songwriter — just like Rayna is with Deaco (Charles Esten).

So it turns out Rayna’s dad isn’t trying to end her tour to save Teddy’s political career; he’s doing it because he’s worried that Rayna will follow in her mother’s adulterous footsteps! (And, uh, he’s kind of right.)

Juliette’s #SkankProblems:

Meanwhile, Juliette continued her relentless mission to single-white-female Rayna in every way possible. Though she convinced Deacon to record “Undermine” with her, and sleep with her (again), she couldn’t get him to sign an exclusive contract to join her tour. I guess Deacon wants to have Juliette’s cake — but he’d rather eat it with Rayna.

Of course, Juliette may not have much of career to worry about pretty soon. Not only is her drugged-out mom Jolene (Sylvia Jefferies) now living with her — she’d rather not have her crazy ass roaming the streets — but a gawking fan also recorded Juliette shoplifting on her camera phone. The worst part? I’m pretty sure she wanted to get caught.

Girl, don’t be Lindsay Lohan. You’re better than that.

And then there’s the other three:

I feel like Scarlett (Clare Bowen) and Gunnar (Sam Palladio) are living out their own little spin-off at the moment, but that’s OK, because they’re adorable and super-talented. Sadly, Scarlett totally choked when they finally got to record with Watty; and if it wasn’t for a little pep talk from Avery (Jonathan Jackson), she’d probably never have the confidence to sing again.

Speaking of Avery, I’m not sure how I’m supposed to feel about that whole love triangle. The show is making me want to root for Scarlett and Gunnar to get together, but that would be so much easier of Avery was a jerk. I guess she wins, either way.

Good for her.

What did you think of this week’s Nashville? Are you rooting for Rayna to cheat on her husband, or are you on #TeamMarriage? And why do you think Juliette wanted to get caught? Drop me a comment with your thoughts!

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

More Nashville on HollywoodLife.com:

1. A New ‘Nashville’ Scandal, Vanessa’s 90210 Return & More TV Scoop
2. ‘Nashville’ Recap: Rayna & Deacon Make Sweet Music Together
3. ‘Nashville’ Series Premiere Recap: Rayna & Juliette’s Rivalry Is Born

At first it seemed like Juliette’s (Hayden Panettiere) vendetta against Rayna (Connie Britton) was purely motivated by a drive to succeed in country music, but the Oct. 17 episode of Nashville revealed the real reason behind the ladies’ feud: Deacon (Charles Esten). And marriage be damned, Rayna definitely came out the victor this week.

No matter how many how times Juliette took her top off, or opened her mouth ever-so-slightly to talk dirty, the heat between her and Deacon paled in comparison to his chemistry with Rayna. He eye-humped the crap out of her during their duet at the Bluebird, and they sounded amazing.

As I watched Juliette sobbing in the audience, I wanted to step into the show, shake her, and tell her to go deal with her crippling daddy issues. At one point this week, she literally said to Deacon, “Something about you makes me want to grow up.” If you really break it down, that’s pretty messed up.

Before all of that went down, Teddy’s (Eric Close) team grilled Rayna on her past with Deacon, which led to a few surprising revelations: Not only did Deacon have a near-fatal substance abuse problem, but Rayna paid for his rehab, and visited him regularly. She also never “officially” ended her relationship with him, which is also super awkward. I guess this adds more fuel to the theory that Rayna’s oldest daughter is actually Deacon’s.

Meanwhile, Scarlett (Clare Bowen) is quickly learning that every step forward in her music career means a step back in her relationship with Avery (Jonathan Jackson). He wasn’t too happy to find out she’d been making music with Gunnar (Sam Palladio), and even less excited when she told him Watty White (J.D. Souther) offered to produce their demo.

I give their relationship another three episodes. Oh, and Scarlett will kiss Gunnar within the next two.

What did you think of this week’s episode? Which couple is going to give into temptation first, Rayna and Deacon or Scarlett and Gunnar? Vote below, then drop a comment with your thoughts on the episode!

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

More Nashville:

1. ‘Nashville’ Series Premiere Recap: Rayna & Juliette’s Rivalry Is Born
2. ‘Nashville’ Premieres Tonight: 5 Reasons Why You HAVE To Watch
3. Fall 2012: ‘Arrow,’ ‘Nashville’ & More New TV Shows We Can’t Wait To See

The series premiere of ABC’s Nashville introduced us to two women at very different points in their country music careers. Rayna James (Connie Britton) has been the industry’s undisputed queen for more than two decades, but declining album sales and a shift in the business threaten to snatch her throne right out from under her. Then there’s Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere), an up-and-coming pop-country pixie of Taylor Swift proportions — who also happens to be a raging bitch. Needless to say, Rayna and Juliette aren’t exactly rocking friendship bracelets.

There’s some not-so-subtle sexual tension between Rayna and her bandleader Deacon (Charles Esten), who clearly still carries a torch for her. And judging by the way she acts around him — lingering glances and girly hair flips abound — I’d say Rayna hasn’t quite let go of their past, either. Honestly, I was surprised they made it through the entire pilot without ripping each other’s clothes off. But maybe they’re saving that for sweeps.

The other drama in Rayna’s life comes from her family, a well-connected pillar of the Nashville community. Tensions ran particularly high when Rayna’s dad convinces her husband Teddy (Eric Close) to run for mayor, forcing the spotlight-minded songbird to — as the Tammy Wynette classic suggests — stand by her man. During a particularly heated confrontation, Rayna’s dear ol’ daddy even suggested that Teddy isn’t Maddie’s dad. Cue the thunder.

After overhearing Rayna refer to her music as “adolescent crap,” Juliette kicked Operation: Destroy Rayna’s Career into high gear, offering Deacon a position in her band — and her bed. Granted, that bed’s getting awfully crowded, as Juliette is also knocking cowboy boots with Rayna’s producer Randy (Burgess Jenkins).

To be fair, Juliette’s got some demons of her own to battle. Her crack-head mother (Sylvia Jefferies) is constantly hitting her up for money — no matter how many new numbers Juliette gets to avoid her — and rather than face her feelings, she masks them with sluttiness.

But not everyone on Nashville is selling out stadiums just yet. Deacon’s niece Scarlett (Clare Bowen) is waiting tables at the Bluebird Café — the city’s country music Mecca — while dreaming of launching her own writing career. And even though she’s currently dating bad-boy Avery (Jonathan Jackson), her emotional duet with good-guy Gunnar (Sam Palladio) proved he makes a far better match for her.

Connie Britton’s “y’all” count: 4 (Did I miss any?!)

What did you think of Nashville? Did it earn a front-row seat on your DVR, or are you considering this a farewell performance? Drop me a comment with your personal review of the pilot!

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

More Nashville on HollywoodLife.com:

1. ‘Nashville’ Premieres Tonight: 5 Reasons Why You HAVE To Watch
2. Fall 2012: ‘Arrow,’ ‘Nashville’ & More New TV Shows We Can’t Wait To See