The actress who played Thelma Lou on TV’s "The Andy Griffith Show" pays a visit to the State Capitol. Betty Lynn, a Kansas City native, traveled to Jefferson City for the first time in her life and addressed the Senate.

Betty Lynn, who was Barney Fife’s girlfriend on the show, spoke of how thrilled she was to be treated so well during her visit. She added she had a chance to meet Governor Matt Blunt and his family and to be shown around the Governor’s Mansion.

The actress, who is now 80, lived for years in Los Angeles after leaving Missouri. After her home was robbed twice, she decided to leave the West Coast. She now lives in Mount Airy, North Carolina, the hometown of Andy Griffith and the real life Mayberry. Betty Lynn says she visited Mount Airy for a "Mayberry Days" event, became fond of the area, and moved there.

Betty Lynn says people still think of her as Thelma Lou. She says that when she entered show business she wanted to be loved, and it is because of the Thelma Lou character that people love her all these years later.

Download/Listen: Betty Lynn speaks to Senate (1:30 MP3)