Before the glitz and glam of stardom, Gabby Barrett knew all too well about the struggles of "being at the bottom."In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, the 26-year-old country star — who recently released her latest single, "In On It" — opened up about her rise to fame, got candid about the financial and emotional hardships she faced and explained how faith carried her through difficult periods.Growing up in Pittsburgh, Barrett was one of seven children and learned the importance of a strong work ethic at an early age.JENNIE GARTH ADMITS ‘SCARY’ FINANCIAL SPIRAL AFTER ‘90210’ FAMEGabby Barrett opened up about her rise to fame, including financial and emotional hardships. (Getty Images)"My parents, growing up in Pittsburgh, were always very hard workers," Barrett said."Both parents were working.
My mom stayed home with us when we were little, which I really appreciate being a mother now.But she's been working for a long time.
My dad worked several jobs at a time.My dad's very entrepreneurial, so that kind of bled over onto me.
And he's a business guy, and I've always just seen him work really hard my whole life and sacrifice a lot for me too in those beginning years of me singing around Pennsylvania and trying to get my name out there.""There were times… he couldn't pay the light bill or the lights got pulled, and we had to pack up sandwiches in the car because we couldn't afford to stop at the drive-through," she continued."When I was getting ready to go onto 'American Idol' I remember we all slept in the car.
There were like a couple dogs in the car too.It was just crazy.
So I understand, you know, what being at the bottom and what kind of being at the top looks like.And I really appreciate my parents for instilling a hard work ethic in me because I do understand it.
And there are challenges that come along with it.But I'm really thankful for that."The "I Hope" singer began singing around age nine and found herself performing at l...