Songstress changes tune on smokeless tobacco use

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Country music's "Redneck Woman" promises to keep her can of Skoal in her back pocket from now on.

Tennessee's attorney general had asked Gretchen Wilson not to pull out a can of smokeless tobacco during performances of her new song "Skoal Ring" because it glamorized tobacco use. A warning letter said the routine might violate the 1998 tobacco settlement, which forbids tobacco ads targeting young people.

Attorney General Paul Summers said the singer's representative apologized yesterday and said Miss Wilson would not use the Skoal can in concert again. It was not used at a Cincinnati concert Thursday night, his office said.

"I appreciate Ms. Wilson's attitude," Mr. Summers said in a press release. "This quick and positive response speaks well of her as a professional artist, as a good citizen, as a parent and as a role model for youth."

Miss Wilson won wide acclaim and a Grammy with her debut single "Redneck Woman," a defiant anthem of girl power.

"Skoal Ring," from her upcoming album, "All Jacked Up," refers to the wear mark the tobacco cans leave on a blue jeans pocket.

Miss Wilson also stated through her representative that she has no relationship with U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co., the manufacturers of Skoal.