His Mission:
"Life isn't something you are given because it's owed to you. It's given because you need to grow, to learn and to expand your soul and Spirit. Life is often treated as just a time of play and expectation when it ought to be one of service to others; a building often sits empty because people can't picture its potential. And that's how many people's view of life is - empty because they don't see what it could be. When I get to the point where I can't be helpful, do something for other people in some way, then I don't want to stay here any longer. I'd like to fulfil my purpose in life, but if I can't do everything this time, then I know I'll have another chance. Life is a continuing circle - beginning with birth, ending with death and then beginning again. I believe that - just as I believe in our Heavenly Father and His Kingdom everlasting. To me that is the most important thing we have to learn, God is - He always will be. Learn that and everything else comes easy."
"Some people are put on this Earth to help carry the load, the strain; some are here just for show, some are here so that others can come and do what they must do. I'm here to bring as much joy, happiness and comfort to the population as I can, and if this causes me some strife, some personal heart aches, it's alright, because I have the privilege of seeing the happiness and joy I bring others. It evens out - I get the greatest highs, the best memories, and I have the knowledge that I can truly do something for other people, especially when they need it. So I'm happy, I don't mind. My petty problems are but tiny thorns on the rose, understand?"
Friendship and Love:
"See, it's like a plant really. A tiny seed begins to grow, putting down roots, just as when you meet someone, talk, begin to know them a little and then as the acquaintance turns toward familiarity the stalk pushes up and begins to leaf out and the friendship is off and growing. As long as there is nothing poisoning it's roots, it continues to grow and expand and it's nurtured by the sun, the rain - just as people nurture their friends with care and concern and sharing interests.
"But just when a breach of loyalty, a lie, an argument that is not settled amicably, puts a break in the friendship, a chink in the trust of that person, so it is with a plant when branches....or even a severe break, such as (of) the stalk itself, injures the growth; (so it) soils the developing love in people. But if the foundation is there, the initial trust and concern has become love, then as a plant with good roots can re-grow it's broken branch or stem, so can people re-build the friendship. And in real love, as a plant grows, reaches maturity, it flowers, puts out new seeds that drop off and start growing, so it is with love. We plant new seeds, we develop new relationships either with other people or we find them in the one person we love above all others. So the world of plants and people is not different. Earth, it's animal and plant life is tied together making one whole - all a plan of God - we were made of the same ingredients, the same design in patterns of living. It's just that man is closer to God's image - more like him than the animal or the plant."
Respect
"Everyone has their place, their importance to the whole of life, be they dignitaries or working class. One's position in life does not make one's value as a human being go up or down, that I believe. So no matter who it is wanting to see me, if they care that much, to try, to wait or whatever, for me, then the least I can to is be hospitable, obliging. After all, my time is no more valuable than theirs. You have to consider where they're coming from. They want to meet me, shake my hand. some of ‘em want more, you know, in the excitement of the moment, they lose it; but over all, people are great. I'm flattered they care about me, so I try to return the favor, that's all really."
Greatest Fear
"Well-eh-I'd have to say - my greatest fear - it wouldn't be to lose everythin' I have because I could begin again - might take me awhile, but I could get it back. My greatest fear - would have to be to somehow lose the affection, the love of the fans. To somehow fall out of favor with them, be alienated from them. I'd have to say that would be my greatest fear - one I don't know if I could handle."
Dying - preparing for his own transition
I think I'm going to enjoy the feeling of death. I want to be awake, to feel every sensation. I used to think I'd be better to be asleep, but now I don't - I want to be alive, every second feeling it...I think death will be a beautiful thing. I look forward to it. I guess I'm very vain - I don't want to look bad, to lose my voice, and that would be a worse fate. You know, to drag it out, decaying slowly and having to face it every day. I don't want that. I want it quick, easy...God isn't going to be that mean to me - he's going to make it quick, and I'm going to enjoy it. The sensation of my soul leaving this body - pulling away and leaving it all behind, traveling down that white path of light into the love of the Father's brilliance. Man, it gives me chills just thinkin' of it. God's gonna take me quick, you will see - and pleasant - I'll be at home...with my friends, and whatever happens, it'll be taken care of - I know it."