Martha Stewart’s Talk With Larry King to Air

In her final interview before her trial begins Jan. 12, business mogul Martha Stewart talked with CNN’s Larry King on a string of subjects, from the holidays to stress. The program is scheduled to be broadcast tonight.

Stewart, the former chief executive of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc., faces charges of conspiracy, securities fraud, obstruction of justice and making false statements in connection with her sale of 3,900 shares of ImClone Systems Inc. stock.

In June, Stewart pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Here are excerpts from the interview on “Larry King Live.”

Stewart on the holidays this year: “It’s the saddest holiday ever. It’s an unwelcome time for me, very unwelcome.”

On what the toughest part of her legal ordeal has been for her personally: “Well, sort of coming to a screeching halt and having to deal with something extremely unpleasant, something that saddens and disheartens me. And something that is very, very difficult not only for me but for everyone I work with -- my family, my friends. That’s the hard part.”

On whether she is angry: “You can’t let that get to you because then again your functionality, your daily chores can’t get done.... And my legal team has inspired me to behave in an appropriate fashion.”

On whether she thinks people are rooting for her: “I certainly hope so.”

On how people on the street approach her now: “I don’t know what they are thinking about. But generally, people are friendly and [say], ‘Hi, Martha. Great cake you made yesterday.’ ”