DECATUR, IL – Tiny and spry Patsy Montana scanned the Illinois Country Music Association’s museum exhibit, a prominent portion of which is dedicated to her career.

A 25-year veteran of Chicago’s “WLS Barn Dance” radio show, Montana became the first female country singer to sell more than 1 million records, thanks largely to her hit, “I Want to be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart,” in 1936.

Before a crowd filled the Holiday Inn ballroom, the 75-year-old Montana reacted humbly when she spotted – near items like a guitar etched with Roy Acuff’s autograph – her white “Barn Dance” cowboy boots.

“I hope they still don’t have manure on ’em,” she said, smiling.