who sings this song?? been searching for years. my mother used to play it when i was little?

Question

the song is called softly & tenderly (i think) but it's not the gospel song. the song goes like this:
verse 1-
tonight again you'll be holding
another tenderly.
whispering soft sweet words
you once spoke to me.
while i'm here, lonely living
old memories
of the precious love
you once gave to me.

chorus:
and softly and tenderly
tears touch my cheek.
invisable tears noone's ever seen.
softly and tenderly
my heart still beats
for only you
and for the love
that used to be.

verse 2
it seems to me you're reaching
for a world that don't exist.
searching for new lips
that you've never kissed.
when i think of how your conscience
has suddenly gone blind;
i find i'm wondering
if you were ever really mine.

repeat chorus

i have searched everywhere tryng to find this song and who it is sung by. this song means so much to me. i think it might be an old country song but i'm not sure. thank you for your help

Answer 1

It is Billie Jo Spears
Google her, I think you'll find what you're looking for - good luck

Answer 2

Search harder