Jessica Simpson has an explanation for her well-publicized performance gaffe at the Kennedy Center Honors tribute to Dolly Parton in December 2006.

Her personal life was just far too shaky at the time. Singing was the last thing on her mind.

"I completely tortured ‘9 to 5,’" Jessica told the national radio show GAC Nights: Live From Nashville. "I messed the lyrics up, and my boyfriend broke up with me that day. I couldn’t even focus on stage, and I was in front of the president and everybody. After going through a divorce, I was always used to my ex-husband standing side stage when I was done. I only performed twice during that [time], and every time I broke down onstage crying. I was dealing with a lot of pain and trying to heal, and it was such a process."

Despite the blunder, Simpson continues to persevere, as she is currently working on her debut country album. In fact, one of the album’s singles, “Do You Know,” was written by Dolly, who will also collaborate with Simpson on the track.