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Step 1
Apologize when necessary. After telling a London audience that she and the other Chicks were ashamed to share their home state, Texas, with President Bush, Natalie Maines eventually made a public apology. She did not recant her statement, but acknowledged that her remark was disrespectful and apologized to Bush for her personal attack.
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Step 2
Stand firm in your convictions. Despite her apology, Maines remains outspoken in her opposition to the Iraq war. The lyrics of the Dixie Chicks' award-winning song, "Not Ready to Make Nice," capture the women's unwillingness to abandon their beliefs, despite harsh criticism and censorship.
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Step 3
Make great music. At the peak of the Dixie Chicks' controversy, the trio took home five Grammy Awards for their album, "Taking the Long Way." The group received a standing ovation at the ceremony.
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Step 4
Focus on family. For Natalie Maines, Martie McGuire and Emily Robison, family rises above all else. When things get especially rough, the Dixie Chicks turn to their husbands and children for comfort and support.
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Step 5
Realize you can't please all the people all the time. Although many Americans called for the Dixie Chicks to apologize for making statements perceived as anti-American, some fans expressed disappointment when Maines apologized. The women have no regrets and prefer to seek acceptance from within rather than from the public, although they cherish their fans.
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Step 6
Launch a successful publicity campaign. In the wake of controversy, the Chicks posed naked on the cover of "Entertainment Weekly" magazine, gave numerous high profile interviews and were the subjects of the documentary film, "Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing."
