Jo Dee Marie Messina was born in Holliston, Massachusetts on August 25, 1970. She and siblings Terese, Marianne and Vincent were the children of Vincent & Mary Messina. In 2007 the 5'3" country music singer/songwriter married Chris Deffenbaugh in Nashville. They are the parents of Noah Roger, born January 12, 2009 and Jonah Christopher, born January 11, 2012.

Jo Dee is known for “Heads Carolina, Tails California”, “Bye Bye”, “Lesson in Leavin'” and “My Give a Damn’s Busted”.

Honors/Awards:
1998 Academy of Country Music Awards Top New Female Vocalist
1999 Billboard Magazine Most Played Country Female Artist of the Year
1999 Boston Music Awards Outstanding Country Act
1999 Boston Music Awards Outstanding Female Vocalist
1999 Boston Music Awards Outstanding Act of the Year
1999 Country Music Association Awards Horizon Award