"Pigtailed Mary Lou from Omaha, Nebraska, Jersey Julie my saloon singer buddy, and Julie Wilson, the wearer of elegant slinky beaded gowns, gardenias and feather boas -- they are all parts of this extraordinary woman.

"Cabaret goers know Julie Wilson as a brilliant performer who shares her life experiences with them through her songs. Her long time fans are as surprised by the truthfulness of her performance as they are by her ageless beauty. Other performers look out and see Julie in their audience being supportive and encouraging. Many rely on her as someone who will always agree to appear at a benefit. Her neighbors know her as a woman who picks up litter on the street and walks her pit bull in the middle of the night.

"Julie, however, is happiest as a caregiver. She enjoys taking care of her family and her close friends. She is a fierce friend, a wonderful mother, and the best nurse. She will cook, clean, do dishes, and scrub pots.

"When we travel around the country, people everywhere wait for her. They do this not just because of her performing skill, but because there is a history of Julie being an important part of their lives. Julie remembers them all. She asks about their families, she recalls their successes and their tragedies. She wants to know what is happening now. She shares her insights; she gives sound advice.

"When animals meet Julie they know the person she is instinctively. I remember driving through the Lincoln Tunnel one night, and as we came to the first stop light in New York, a car pulled alongside us. Julie was sitting behind me, shoes off as usual, and as she looked out, the dog in the other car saw her. It barked, wagged its tail and stuck its head out the window. The dog really talked to Julie. It was love at first sight. I had never seen anything like it. That was the first of many such experiences. No matter where we go, animals lie down in front of Julie on sidewalks, roll over on their backs, waiting to be scratched and talked to. Julie obliges all requests.

"Whether we are two- or four-legged, in Julie, all of us recognize her innate kindness, goodness and extraordinary generosity.

"If I were a dog, I would be on my back right now, wagging my tail, barking hello, and waiting patiently to lick her face to show my love."