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Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire
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Reba Nell McEntire (/ˈrbə ˈmækɪntaɪər/ REE-bə-MAK-in-tire; born March 28, 1955),[1][2] or simply Reba, is an American country singer and actress. Dubbed "The Queen of Country", she has sold more than 75 million records worldwide.[3] Since the 1970s, she has placed over 100 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, 25 of which reached the number-one spot.[4] An actress in both film and television,[5] McEntire starred in the television series Reba, which aired for six seasons. She also owns several businesses, including a restaurant and a clothing line.[6]

Key Information

One of four children, McEntire was born and raised in Oklahoma. With her mother's help, her siblings and she formed the Singing McEntires, who played at local events and recorded for a small label. McEntire later enrolled at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and studied to become a public-school teacher. She also continued to occasionally perform and was heard singing at a rodeo event by country performer Red Steagall. Drawn to her singing voice, Steagall helped McEntire secure a country music recording contract with PolyGram/Mercury Records in 1975.

Over the next several years, PolyGram/Mercury released a series of McEntire's albums and singles, which amounted to little success. In the early 1980s, McEntire's music gained more momentum through several top-10 country songs, including "(You Lift Me) Up to Heaven", "I'm Not That Lonely Yet", and her first number one "Can't Even Get the Blues". Yet McEntire became increasingly unhappy with her career trajectory and signed with MCA Records in 1984. Her second MCA album titled My Kind of Country (1984) became her breakout release, spawning two number-one Billboard country singles and pointed toward a more traditional musical style. Through the 1980s, McEntire released seven more studio albums and had 10 more number-one country hits. Her number-one singles included "One Promise Too Late", "The Last One to Know", and the Grammy Award-winning "Whoever's in New England".

In 1991, McEntire lost eight of her band members in a plane crash in San Diego, California. The experience led to McEntire's critically acclaimed album For My Broken Heart, which is her highest-selling album to date. She followed it with several commercially successful albums during the 1990s, including Read My Mind (1994), What If It's You (1996), and If You See Him (1998). These albums featured the number-one country singles "The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter", "How Was I to Know", and a duet with Brooks and Dunn called "If You See Him/If You See Her". McEntire's acting career began in January 1990 when she made her film debut in Tremors. In 2001, she played the role of Annie Oakley in the Broadway musical Annie Get Your Gun. In the same year, The WB launched the TV series Reba, in which she starred. More recently, she has guest-starred on Young Sheldon as June Ballard and had a main role in the third season of Big Sky. Since 2023, McEntire has been featured as a coach on four seasons of the reality competition show The Voice. She currently stars in the NBC sitcom Happy's Place.

Early life

[edit]

McEntire was born in McAlester, Oklahoma, in 1955[7] but was raised on a ranch in Chockie, Oklahoma.[8][9] She was the third of four children born to Clark (1927–2014) and Jacqueline McEntire (1926–2020).[10] Her grandfather, John Wesley McEntire, was a world-champion steer roper in 1934, while her father held the same title three times (1957, 1958, and 1961).[11] Jacqueline McEntire had aspirations of becoming a country singer,[10] but instead became a public-school teacher, librarian, and secretary.[12] While her mother was tender and loving, her father had trouble showing affection. "When we were growing up, I used to regret that Daddy never told us that he loved us," she recalled in her autobiography.[13] The McEntire family owned a cattle ranch. Each family member contributed to running the cattle operation. The McEntire children helped with ranch chores before and after school. This included castrating bulls and giving them worm medicine.[14]

The McEntire siblings also developed an interest in singing, which was encouraged by their mother. On car trips to their father's rodeo dates, Jacqueline McEntire taught her children to sing in harmony with one another.[15] Young Reba then started performing at school, beginning in first grade when she sang "Away in a Manger" at an elementary-school Christmas pageant. In fifth grade, she joined the 4-H club and won first place in the Junior Act Division for singing "My Sweet Little Alice Blue Gown". She also played basketball and ran track. For several summers, she attended a basketball camp.[16] She also learned piano[17] and guitar.[18] She also developed an interest in the rodeo and trained to become a barrel racer.[19]

McEntire in her 1974 college yearbook: She received a bachelor's degree in elementary education before pursuing country music full-time.

By high school, the McEntire siblings had been frequently performing. Together, they formed a trio which they called the Singing McEntires.[20] In 1971, the trio released a single about their famous grandfather called "The Ballad of John McEntire". It was pressed as a single by a local label and was issued in small numbers regionally.[15][7] The trio eventually included a backing band, who performed at local functions. The group was later named the Kiowa High School Cowboy Band. They also had paying gigs at bars at dance halls in nearby Oklahoma City. "We were a bunch of kids barely in puberty who didn't get to bed until almost daylight after some of our shows," McEntire remembered.[14] The band parted ways once Reba's brother graduated from high school.[21] In 1973, McEntire graduated from Kiowa High School.[22]

Once finishing high school, McEntire enrolled in college at Southeastern Oklahoma State University.[7][22] She majored in elementary education with a minor in music. She completed student teaching and later graduated with a bachelor's degree.[23] She also continued to help out on her family's ranch during her college years.[24] In 1974, McEntire's father encouraged her to take a job opportunity singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City.[25] She contacted family friend and rodeo announcer Clem McSpadden, who helped her get hired for the gig.[24] Following one of her performances, McEntire was heard by country artist Red Steagall who was impressed by her singing.[25][20] Reba, her siblings, and her mother later joined him at a hotel party the same week. At the hotel, Reba performed an a cappella version of Dolly Parton's "Joshua".[26] Jacqueline McEntire asked Steagall if he was able to help get all her children a recording contract. After going back to Nashville, Steagall contacted her in early 1975, and said, "I can't take all three. But I could take Reba. She's got something a little different."[27][28]

In March 1975 and accompanied by her mother, McEntire embarked on a trip to Nashville, Tennessee, to record a demonstration tape that Steagall hoped to pass along to record labels.[27] At the start of the trip, she was unsure about pursuing a professional country music career. McEntire recalled in her autobiography continually making excuses for her mother to stop the car instead of traveling to Nashville. After noticing her daughter's fear, Jacqueline McEntire told her, "Now Reba, let me tell you something. If you don't want to go to Nashville, we don't have to do this. But I'm living all my dreams through you." The conversation changed her mind and they continued on to Nashville.[29]

After recording a demo, McEntire's tape was heard by Glenn Keener of PolyGram/Mercury Records, who was interested in signing her to a Nashville contract. Keener brought McEntire's tape and another woman's tape to PolyGram's Chicago headquarters. The label informed Keener that he could only sign one female performer. "He looked at the two tapes in his hand and handed ’em mine," McEntire told Entertainment Weekly.[30]

Music career

[edit]

1976–1983: Career launch at Mercury

[edit]

In November 1975, McEntire signed a country music recording contract with PolyGram/Mercury Records.[7][31] She made her first recordings for the label in January 1976. She was produced by Glenn Keener and was backed by a Countrypolitan arrangement that included a string section. McEntire's debut single released in 1976 was titled "I Don't Want to Be a One Night Stand". The track failed to become a major hit, only peaking at number 88 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart that May.[32] It was followed by the low-charting Billboard country singles "(There's Nothing Like the Love) Between a Woman and Man" and "Glad I Waited Just for You". Mercury issued her self-titled debut album in 1977.[7] In his album review, Greg Adams of AllMusic compared it to the country crossover style of Barbara Mandrell and Tammy Wynette.[33] McEntire also began touring and performing more frequently. Without a band of her own, she often relied on house bands to accompany her. In some instances, the backing bands did not know country music and McEntire would have to fill her time onstage with jokes.[34]

McEntire's career gained more momentum by 1978. That year, she collaborated on two singles with country artist Jacky Ward. The duo's double-sided release of "I'd Really Love to See You Tonight"/"Three Sheets in the Wind" became her first top-20 hit on the country chart.[7] When Glenn Keener left the PolyGram/Mercury roster, McEntire inherited producer Jerry Kennedy.[34] Kennedy produced her second studio album titled Out of a Dream (1979). The album's cover of Patsy Cline's "Sweet Dreams" became her first top-20 hit as a solo artist.[7][32] Four additional top-40 country singles were spawned from the album, as well.[32] By 1980, McEntire had formed her own band, which included sister Susie and brother Pake McEntire. She also hired a new manager. McEntire and her band toured to dates in a three-car caravan, which included a horse trailer for transporting instruments.[35] She later upgraded to a bus nicknamed Silver Eagle, which routinely broke down.[36] Also in 1980, "(You Lift Me) Up to Heaven" became her first top-10 hit on the country songs chart.[32] It was included on her third studio album, Feel the Fire, which was released in October.[7]

By this point, McEntire's label pushed her to record music in a soft country-pop style with which she often disagreed.[7] Future material (which included her next album) was recorded in this format.[37] Her fourth album, Heart to Heart was issued in 1981 and became her first disc to chart the Billboard Country Albums list.[7] It received only a 2.5 star review from AllMusic's William Ruhlmann, who described McEntire as being "a promising, but not yet accomplished country artist."[38] Its lead single, "Today All Over Again", became her highest-charting country single yet, reaching number five.[7] In 1983, McEntire's bus had broken down when she was informed that her latest single "Can't Even Get the Blues" reached the number-one spot on the Billboard country chart.[39] It was followed by her second number-one song "You're the First Time I Thought About Leaving".[32] The track also became her second to reach the top 10 of Canada's RPM country songs chart.[40] Both singles appeared on her 1983 album Unlimited.[7] The following year, the single "Why Do We Want (What We Know We Can't Have)" reached the top 10.[32] With increased success in the country music industry,[37] she was able to arrange an early release from PolyGram/Mercury in 1983.[7] "Let met put it this way, I've sorta taken my career into control myself," she explained of the decision.[37]

1984–1990: Breakthrough

[edit]

McEntire signed with MCA Records in 1984 and released her seventh studio album Just a Little Love. Harold Shedd was originally intended to produce the disc, but McEntire rejected his desire for a country-pop arrangement. Instead, Norro Wilson produced the project.[41] Despite spawning a top-10 hit,[32] McEntire was still dissatisfied with the record's production and the lack of control over material.[42] Instead, she turned to MCA president Jimmy Bowen[7] who suggested that she find her own songs to record. Accompanied by Don "Dirt" Lanier, McEntire spent several days listening to various songs from publishing companies. Eventually, she found a song written by Harlan Howard titled "Somebody Should Leave" and a song by Jon Moffat titled "How Blue".[43] Released as singles, they reached the number-one spot on the country songs chart and later appeared on 1984's My Kind of Country.[7] The collection also included several covers of classic country songs by Ray Price, Charley Pride, and Connie Smith.[44] AllMusic's William Ruhlmann gave the disc 4.5 stars.[45] Billboard magazine described McEntire on the album as being "the finest woman country singer since Kitty Wells."[46] United Press wrote that the album "represents a victory for McEntire. She has pulled in the reins of her career, regained control of her music and her life."[47] The album became her breakthrough recording, leading McEntire to winning 1984's Female Vocalist of the Year accolade from the Country Music Association.[7][48] Along with music by George Strait and Randy Travis, the album also brought forth a stylistic change in country towards traditional arrangements and sounds.[7][37]

Her next MCA album was 1985's Have I Got a Deal for You. The project followed the same traditional country format of its predecessor.[49] It was produced by Jimmy Bowen, along with co-production credits from McEntire herself.[50] The album's title track reached the Billboard country top 10 along with "Only in My Mind", a song composed by McEntire herself.[32] Just a few months later, on October 19, McEntire performed the National Anthem at game one of the 1985 World Series. In February 1986, her ninth studio album was released named Whoever's in New England. On the record, McEntire and co-producer Jimmy Bowen mixed a traditional country style with a modern, contemporary sound. Author Kurt Wolff described the title track's production as being "bigger and sentimentalism more obvious, even manipulative".[41] Issued as the lead single, the title track peaked at number one on the Billboard country chart[32] and won McEntire the Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.[51] The album itself became her first to top the Billboard Country Albums survey.[52] and later certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America for sales of one million copies.[53]

By this point McEntire had reached the height of her commercial stardom.[7] Following this, McEntire made changes to her stage show. She began implementing choreography and experimented with stage lighting.[54] Also in 1986, McEntire's twelfth studio album appeared titled What Am I Gonna Do About You. AllMusic found that it lacked the features that had made Whoever's in New England unique.[55] The title track was the lead single from the release. It became her next number one song on the Billboard country chart[32] and her first number one on the RPM Canadian country chart.[40] Its second single, "One Promise Too Late", also topped the country chart.[32] Her 13th studio project, The Last One to Know, was released in 1987 and reached number three on the Billboard country albums chart.[56] Reviewer Tom Roland noted that McEntire chose material that reflected her recent divorce from first husband Charlie Battles.[57] Both the title track and "Love Will Find Its Way to You" topped the Billboard country songs chart.[32] In late 1987, McEntire released her first Christmas collection called Merry Christmas to You.[58] Also in 1987, she played Carnegie Hall in New York City for the first time.[59]

In the late 1980s, McEntire took more control of her career. She fired her manager and formed her own entertainment company that helped further promote her material.[60] Other new changes included her 1988 pop-inspired release Reba.[7] Her fifteenth studio disc included covers of the former pop hits "Respect" and "A Sunday Kind of Love".[61] It produced the number-one Billboard country singles "New Fool at an Old Game" and "I Know How He Feels".[32] It was followed by 1989's Sweet Sixteen, which was noted to be a more of a "return to the neo-traditionalist fold", according to reviewer William Ruhlmann.[62] The album featured the country hits "'Til Love Comes Again", "Little Girl", "Walk On" and a cover of "Cathy's Clown".[32] Her first live project titled Reba Live was also released in 1989.[63]

Rumor Has It (1990) was another pop-oriented album release featuring a mix of ballads and uptempo numbers.[64] It was the first disc in McEntire's career to reach the top 40 of the Billboard 200 albums chart.[65] The disc would become McEntire's highest-selling album, certifying three-times platinum from the RIAA.[53] Four hit country singles came from the release, including "You Lie"[32] and her cover of Bobbie Gentrys' 1969 single "Fancy". The latter single eventually became one of McEntire's signature songs.[66][67]

1991: Plane crash and For My Broken Heart

[edit]

“Improper planning/decision by the pilot, the pilot's failure to maintain proper altitude and clearance over mountainous terrain, and the copilot's failure to adequately monitor the progress of the flight. Factors related to the accident were: insufficient terrain information provided by the flight service specialist during the preflight briefing after the pilot inquired about a low-altitude departure, darkness, mountainous terrain, both pilot's lack of familiarity with the geographical area, and the copilot's lack of familiarity with the aircraft.”

 —The findings from the National Transportation Safety Board following their 1991 investigation of the plane crash.[68]

In the late 1980s, McEntire's touring schedule became increasingly busy. To avoid long bus trips, her band and she began traveling by private planes to concerts.[69] McEntire and her touring band started the 1991 leg of their tour with dates in Alaska, Saginaw, Michigan, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and a private gig for IBM in San Diego, California. Two planes which would carry McEntire's band were scheduled to leave San Diego. McEntire, her husband, and her stylist were to take a different aircraft the next day.[70] In the early hours of March 16, 1991, McEntire was awakened by a phone call from Roger Woolsey, pilot of the second plane. McEntire's husband took the call and discovered that one of the planes had crashed.[71] Following the successful takeoff of both planes, one plane's wing hit the side of Otay Mountain in San Diego, killing everyone on board.[72][73]

In total, eight members of her band were killed: guitarists Chris Austin and Michael Thomas, keyboardists Kirk Cappello and Joey Cigainero, vocalist Paula Kaye Evans, road manager Jim Hammon, bassist Terry Jackson, and drummer Anthony Saputo. Pilot Donald Holmes and co-pilot Chris Hollinger were also killed.[74] The first plane was a Hawker Siddeley DH-125-1A/522 charter jet that took off at 1:40 am from Brown Field Municipal Airport, located near the Mexico–United States border. After reaching an altitude of 3,400 feet (1,040 m) above sea level, the aircraft crashed on the side of Otay Mountain, located 10 miles (16 km) east of the airport.[75] The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined the probable cause of the accident was related to "improper pilot planning".[68]

Meanwhile, the second plane carrying the rest of her band made it successfully to an airport in Nashville. McEntire, her husband, and hair stylist returned on their own plane following the accident. "By the time that long, terrible weekend was over, we were emotionally and physically exhausted," McEntire stated in her autobiography.[76] The news was reported nearly immediately to McEntire and her husband, who were sleeping at a nearby hotel. A spokeswoman for McEntire made a statement to The Los Angeles Times on her behalf: "She was very close to all of them. Some of them had been with her for years. Reba is totally devastated by this. It's like losing part of your family. Right now, she just wants to get back to Nashville."[77] Two days after the crash, McEntire conducted an interview with People and scheduled a memorial service for the families of the victims.[69] Nine days following the accident, McEntire performed at the 63rd Academy Awards ceremony, singing the Best Original Song nominee "I'm Checkin' Out" from the film Postcards from the Edge.[78] In addition, Vince Gill and Dolly Parton offered their help in reorganizing her touring band.[79][80]

McEntire dedicated her 16th album, For My Broken Heart, to the deceased members of her road band. Released in October 1991, it contained songs of sorrow and lost love about "all measure of suffering",[81] according to Alanna Nash of Entertainment Weekly. Nash reported that McEntire "still hits her stride with the more traditional songs of emotional turmoil, above all combining a spectacular vocal performance with a terrific song on 'Buying Her Roses', a wife's head-spinning discovery of her husband's other woman."[81] The disc peaked at number three on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.[82] It also became her highest-charting release on the Billboard 200 yet, peaking at number 13.[83] It later sold over four million copies in the United States, becoming her best-selling album to date.[7] Its title track and "Is There Life Out There" both became number one Billboard country singles. In addition, "The Greatest Man I Never Knew" and McEntire's cover of "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia" both became major country hits.[32]

1992–2002: Continued country success

[edit]

In December 1992, McEntire's 17th album It's Your Call was released. A sign of her increased mainstream success, the album was her first to reach the top 10 of the Billboard 200.[7] It spawned the country hits "Take It Back", the title track and a number one duet with Vince Gill called "The Heart Won't Lie".[32] Critic Brian Mansfield compared the disc to For My Broken Heart, concluding that "only casual or partial listeners will be moved as much."[84] Christopher John Farley of Time wrote that the album ranged from being "relaxing" to "cathartic", and "these vocals from one of the best country singers linger in the mind".[85] For her next release, McEntire collaborated with up-and-coming artist Linda Davis on the single "Does He Love You".[86] MCA Records encouraged McEntire to record the track with more established acts like Wynonna Judd or Trisha Yearwood, but ultimately finalized the track with Davis.[87][88] It became her 18th number-one hit on the Country Songs chart and her 16th topper on the Canadian country chart.[32][40] It was later included on her 1993 compilation Greatest Hits Volume Two.[86] Later that year, Davis and McEntire performed the duet at the CMA Awards. For her performance, McEntire wore a red dress with a plunging neckline that created controversy among the Nashville community.[89][90]

Her 18th studio release was 1994's Read My Mind. The disc reached number two on both the Billboard 200[65] and the Top Country Albums chart.[52] The disc later reached sales of three million copies in the United States and certified three times platinum from the RIAA.[53] Five major hits came from the release, including "The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter", "Till You Love Me"[32] and a song about a woman contracting AIDS called "She Thinks His Name Was John". The last recording only reached a top-20 charting position due to its controversial lyrics.[91] McEntire's 19th studio album, Starting Over (1995) is a collection of her favorite songs originally recorded by others. The album was made to commemorate McEntire's 20 years in the music industry. The album received a less favorable response from critics than that of her previous releases.[92][93] While the project spawned three charting singles, only McEntire's cover of "Ring on Her Finger, Time on Her Hands" became a top-10 country song.[32] Starting Over was certified platinum by the RIAA within the first two months of its release.[53]

McEntire in Washington, DC, November 2000

McEntire's next album release What If It's You was issued by MCA in November 1996. The record was a return to a contemporary country sound.[94] It debuted at number 15 on the Billboard 200[95] and eventually topped the Billboard country albums list.[96] It received a more favorable response from radio programmers than that of her 1995 album and received greater promotion.[95] Critic Thom Owens noted that the project "[didn't] offer any new tricks from Reba McEntire, but it is nevertheless an excellent reminder of her deep talents as a vocalist."[97] Its first single, "The Fear of Being Alone" became a top-five hit, while "How Was I to Know" reached the number-one spot on the Billboard country songs survey.[32]

McEntire began touring with country duo Brooks & Dunn during the mid 1990s. Their touring collaborating led to the recording of a duet titled "If You See Him/If You See Her" in 1998.[98] The track topped both the Billboard country songs chart and the Canadian RPM country chart.[32][40] Their initial collaborations would lead to several more professional endeavors over the years, including a joint Las Vegas residency.[99] The duet was included on McEntire's If You See Him album and Brooks & Dunn's If You See Her album, both of which were released in June 1998.[100] Thom Owens found that both album titles were named nearly the same as "a way to draw attention for both parties, since they were no longer new guns—they were veterans in danger of losing ground to younger musicians".[101] If You See Him produced three more top-10 country hits, including "Forever Love" and "One Honest Heart".[32]

In 1999, McEntire released two albums. In September she issued her second Christmas album, The Secret of Giving: A Christmas Collection.[102] In November, her 22nd studio album, So Good Together was released.[103] Entertainment Weekly commented that most of the album's material was "an odd set—mostly ballads, including an English/Portuguese duet with Jose e Durval on Boz Scaggs' 'We're All Alone'".[104] It featured the top-five country songs "What Do You Say" and "I'll Be".[32] McEntire focused on an acting career in the early 2000s and took a temporary musical hiatus.[7] One exception was 2001's "I'm a Survivor". The single became a top-five country hit and the theme song to McEntire's 2001 television series.[105]

2003–2015: Country music comeback, record label switch, and continued music success

[edit]

McEntire returned to her recording career in August 2003 with the release of the MCA single "I'm Gonna Take That Mountain".[106] The song was included on her first studio album in four years titled Room to Breathe (November 2003). "The reason I named the album Room to Breathe is because I needed a little room to breathe," McEntire told Billboard.[107] The 12-track disc was produced by Buddy Cannon and Norro Wilson. It also featured a guest appearance from Vince Gill.[106] Room to Breathe debuted at number four on the Billboard country chart and later certified platinum in the United States.[7] It spawned McEntire's first number-one song in six years titled "Somebody". Also featured was the top-10 single "He Gets That from Me".[32] In 2004, she embarked on her first tour in several years, also titled Room to Breathe, which included 36 cities in the United States.[108] In 2005, MCA released the double-disc compilation titled Reba #1's while she was between albums.[7]

In September 2007, McEntire's next studio disc was released titled Reba: Duets. The album was a collection of duets with various music artists,[109] including Kenny Chesney, LeAnn Rimes, Trisha Yearwood, Carole King, and Justin Timberlake. Reba: Duets topped the Billboard country chart and the Billboard 200, becoming her first album in her career to reach the top of both lists.[110] Reba: Duets was later certified platinum by the RIAA.[53] The album was given high critical praise from magazines such as PopMatters, which compared McEntire to artists like Janis Joplin and Tina Turner.[111] AllMusic's Thom Jurek gave it 3.5 stars, commenting that "it's full of good to great songs delivered in mostly interesting ways."[112] The first single was a duet version of Kelly Clarkson's "Because of You", which reached number two on the American country chart[32] and topped the Canadian country songs chart.[113]

McEntire attending the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards

In 2008, McEntire announced that she would be departing her label of 25 years and signing with the Valory Music Group, an imprint of Big Machine Records.[114] The switch to Valory reunited McEntire with the label's president, Scott Borchetta, with whom she had worked previously.[115] Her first Valory single was 2009's "Strange".[116] The song debuted at number 39 Billboard country songs chart, giving McEntire the highest single debut of her career and peaked at number 11. Her 26th studio album, Keep on Loving You, was released in August 2009[117] and also topped both the Billboard Country and 200 charts.[118] In 2009, "Consider Me Gone" (spawned as the record's second single) became her 24th number-one on the Billboard chart in December.[119][120] At age 54, McEntire became one of the oldest women to have a number-one single on the country songs chart.[32]

McEntire's 29th studio album, All the Women I Am, was released in November 2010.[121][122] Steve Morse of The Boston Globe called the project "one of her best efforts",[123] while Thom Jurek at AllMusic only gave it a 2.5 star rating, calling it "awkward" and lacking a "center".[124] "Turn On the Radio" was issued as the lead single prior to the album,[125] eventually becoming her twenty-fourth number one on the Billboard country survey.[126] Three additional charting singles were spawned from All the Women I Am that peaked outside the top 20.[4] Her All the Women I Am Tour followed shortly after featuring country acts the Band Perry, Steel Magnolia, and Edens Edge.[127][128]

In 2014, McEntire moved to Big Machine's new imprint for veteran artists titled Nash Icon Music.[129] Her first Nash Icon single was 2015's "Going Out Like That",[130] which reached the top 25 of the Billboard country songs chart.[4] It was included on her 2015 Nash Icon album Love Somebody.[131] The album topped the country albums chart and charted the top five of the Billboard 200.[132] In 2016, McEntire released a third Christmas-themed studio album called My Kind of Christmas. The album was exclusively sold at Cracker Barrel and online. She also announced she would soon be selling her own line of clothing, home decor, jewelry, and other things under the "Rockin' R by Reba" line, also at Cracker Barrel.[133][134]

2017–present: New beginnings in her 60s

[edit]

After her split from ex-husband Narvel Blackstock, McEntire took control of her career as her own manager. She recruited Justin McIntosh of Starstruck Entertainment, Leslie Matthews serving as brand manager, and Carolyn Snell who has been with McEntire for nine years. They formed Reba's Business Inc. (RBI).[135] She moved out of the building where Blackstock and she had worked, and moved her company to Green Hills, Nashville.[136]

On December 15, 2016, McEntire announced that she was releasing her first gospel album titled Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope. It was released by Nash Icon/Rockin' R Records on February 3, 2017, and consists of two discs. Disc one contains traditional hymns, while disc two contains original tracks. "Softly and Tenderly", featuring Kelly Clarkson and Trisha Yearwood, was the first track off the album released. Another track on the album, "In the Garden/Wonderful Peace", features the Isaacs. Jay DeMarcus of the Rascal Flatts produced the album.[137] The first single off the album is "Back to God".[138] In January 2018, McEntire won the Grammy Award for Best Roots Gospel Album, her first nomination since 2007, and her first Grammy Award win in more than 20 years, since 1994. She also headlined the C2C: Country to Country festival in the UK alongside Brad Paisley and Zac Brown Band in March. Because of its limited release in 2016, on October 13, 2017 My Kind of Christmas was re-released - this time including songs with Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Darius Rucker, and Lauren Daigle - on her website and through iTunes.[139] In July 2018, it was announced that McEntire would be one of four honorees for the 41st annual Kennedy Center Honors, along with Cher, Philip Glass, and Wayne Shorter. The ceremony was held December 2, 2018, and broadcast on CBS December 26, 2018.[140]

McEntire released her 29th studio album Stronger Than the Truth on April 5, 2019.[141] McEntire also returned to host the 54th Academy of Country Music Awards on April 8, 2019.[142] On February 20, 2020, during a surprise appearance at the Country Radio Seminar, McEntire announced she had signed a new record deal with MCA Nashville, returning to the label after leaving in November 2008.[143] McEntire hosted the 54th Annual Country Music Association Awards alongside Darius Rucker in November 2020. McEntire previously hosted in 2019 with Carrie Underwood and Dolly Parton, 1992 with Vince Gill, 1991 by herself (the second solo female host), and 1990 with Randy Travis. On October 3, 2022, Reba revealed that she would continue her Reba: Live in Concert tour going through 2023 and play New York City's Madison Square Garden for the first time.[144] In 2021, a duet version of the song "Does He Love You" with Dolly Parton was released.[145] In 2024, McEntire sang the national anthem during Super Bowl LVIII, and she was accompanied by deaf actor Daniel Durant in American Sign Language.[146]

Acting career

[edit]

1989–1999: Entry into film and television acting

[edit]

In 1989, she obtained her first film role playing Heather Gummer in the horror comedy Tremors, along with Kevin Bacon. The film told the story of a small group of people, living in Nevada, who were fighting subterranean worm-like creatures. After the film's release in 1990, McEntire developed a strong interest in acting and made it her second career. The film earned McEntire a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the 1991 Saturn Awards.[147][148] The following year, she starred along with Kenny Rogers and Burt Reynolds in the made-for-television movies The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw and The Man From Left Field. In 1994, McEntire worked with director Rob Reiner in the film North, playing Ma Tex.

In 1994, McEntire starred in Is There Life Out There?, a television movie based on her song of the same name. The following year, she appeared in Buffalo Girls, which was based upon the life of western cowgirl Calamity Jane (played by Anjelica Huston). Playing Jane's friend Annie Oakley, Buffalo Girls was nominated for an Emmy award.[149] In 1996, McEntire was cast by director James Cameron as Molly Brown in his film Titanic. However, when it became apparent production for the film would extend well beyond its original length, McEntire had to turn down the part, as she had already scheduled prior concert engagements. The role was recast with Kathy Bates.[150] In 1998, she starred as Lizzie Brooks in Forever Love, which was based upon McEntire's hit single of the same name.[151]

2000–2007: Broadway and television series

[edit]

In early 2001, McEntire expanded into theater, starring in the Broadway revival of Annie Get Your Gun. Playing Annie Oakley (whom she had previously portrayed in Buffalo Girls), her performance was critically acclaimed by several newspapers, including The New York Times, which commented, "Without qualification the best performance by an actress in a musical comedy this season."[152] McEntire personally called the musical "some of the hardest work I've ever done in my life".[153]

In 2005, McEntire starred as Nellie Forbush in the Carnegie Hall concert production of the Broadway musical South Pacific with Alec Baldwin as Luther Billis and Brian Stokes Mitchell as Emile de Becque, directed by Walter Bobbie, and with an adapted script by David Ives. The concert was broadcast as part of the Great Performances series in 2006.[154]

In October 2001, McEntire premiered her half-hour television sitcom Reba on The WB. The show was based around divorced mother Reba Hart, who learns how to handle life situations after her husband divorces her to marry his dental hygienist––with whom he had been cheating and gotten pregnant––and then their teenaged daughter becomes pregnant, as well.[155] Reba garnered critical acclaim and success, becoming the network's highest-rated television show for adults ranging from the ages of 18 to 49. The show ran for six seasons and earned McEntire a nomination for a Golden Globe award.[148] It was canceled on February 18, 2007; the series finale had 8.7 million viewers.[156]

Since 2011: Brief television return and current projects

[edit]

In September 2011, McEntire confirmed on her website that ABC had ordered a pilot for her second television series Malibu Country.[157] McEntire played a divorced mother of two who moves to Malibu, California, to restart her music career.[157] The pilot was filmed in April 2012 and began production on its first season in August. The pilot for Malibu Country was to premiere November 2, 2012. The show was broadcast Friday nights at 8:30/7:30c on ABC.[158] On May 11, 2012, McEntire tweeted that the show had been picked up.[159] She also was the host in the 2011 NASCAR Award Show in Las Vegas.

Despite reports that Malibu Country was the most-watched freshman comedy in its debut season (8.7 million),[160] the show was canceled on May 10, 2013, after 18 episodes.

In 2016, McEntire was a guest panelist during season 11 of America's Got Talent. During one of the Judge Cuts, McEntire gave the Golden Buzzer to contortionist Sofie Dossi.[161]

In January 2017, it was announced that McEntire would star and produce a Southern drama series for ABC titled Red Blooded.[162][163] In May, ABC announced it ultimately had turned down the show, so it moved to being shopped around to other networks.[164] In January 2018, Reba was chosen to portray KFC's first female Colonel Sanders. The commercials ran through the end of April 2018.[165]

In 2020, McEntire launched a podcast titled Living and Learning hosted by her former Reba co-star Melissa Peterman and herself.[166]

She made a cameo appearance in the 2021 comedy film Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar as a water spirit named Trish, after Annie Mumolo and Kristen Wiig, who wrote, produced, and starred in the film, wrote her an "impassioned letter" asking her to join the film. Director Josh Greenbaum said in an interview, "There's some casting that just clicks. Reba is not only 100% authentic, we knew she would be game."[167]

In May 2022, ABC announced that McEntire will be joining the cast of the drama Big Sky, playing local businesswoman Sunny Barnes in season three.[168]

McEntire starred in Reba McEntire's The Hammer on Lifetime in 2023. The country star reunited with her Reba sitcom co-star Melissa Peterman in the film inspired by the life of traveling Nevada circuit judge Kim Wheeler.[169] The film also stars McEntire's boyfriend Rex Linn as Bart Crawford, a mysterious cowboy with unknown motives, and Kay Shioma Metchie as Vicky, the tough-talking bailiff who serves as Kim's right hand and trusted friend.

In May 2023, it was announced that McEntire would be a coach on The Voice, replacing Blake Shelton. She served as a coach from its 24th season to its 26th season.[170] On May 21, 2024, Asher HaVon, a member of Reba's team, won the 25th season, making McEntire the winning coach on her second season.[171] In May 2025, it was announced that McEntire would return to The Voice after a one season-hiatus for the 28th season, which premieres in late 2025.[172]

On September 20, 2023, McEntire reunited with Sofie Dossi, where they collaborated during a result show on season 18 of America's Got Talent, when McEntire sang "Can't Even Get the Blues", while Dossi did her contortion, hand-balancing, and aerial performances.[173]

In January 2024, McEntire was creating a new comedy for NBC, later announced to be titled Happy's Place and co-starring Melissa Peterman.[174]

Musical styles and legacy

[edit]

McEntire's sound has been influenced by the country music of Bob Wills, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Barbara Mandrell, and Patsy Cline.[175] In college, McEntire attended local dances at the Oklahoma–Texas border, so she could dance to Wills's music, commenting that, "it didn't get any better than dancing to Bob Wills music". She also explained Merle Haggard's influence on her career, stating, "I had every album he ever put out", and would sing "every song he did", along with her brother, Pake and sister, Susie. In addition, her first major hit, "Sweet Dreams", was a remake of Patsy Cline's version of the song, according to McEntire herself.[176]

McEntire's music has been described not only to be built upon traditional country music, but also expand into the genres of country pop, mainstream pop, soul, and rhythm and blues. At times, her music has been criticized for moving away from traditional country music. Many music critics have called her music to be "melodramatic", "formulaic", and "bombastic", particularly after her 1988 album Reba. Studio releases such as Sweet Sixteen, Rumor Has It, It's Your Call, and Starting Over have been described by these terms.[31]

McEntire possesses a contralto vocal range[177] and performs "vocal gymnastics" with her voice,[178] a musical technique in which a singer twirls a note around, using their vibrato. McEntire has credited Dolly Parton for influencing this trait, stating that she always listened to Parton's records and find her style of vocal gymnastics "so pretty".[153]

McEntire has often been regarded as one of country music's most influential female vocalists and most beloved entertainers.[31][175] She is highly credited for remaining one of country's most popular female artists for nearly four decades, maintaining her success by continually incorporating contemporary musical sounds without changing her traditional vocal style.[120][175] For numerous artists, she has been credited as an inspiration to their careers in music.[175] The Net Music Countdown second-handedly reported, "That influence has manifested itself in many ways. As a role model, she's shown others how to handle fame with grace and good humor while never backing down from her values or goals. Just as importantly, she's shown others to refuse to accept limitations on what she can do or how much she can achieve." McEntire also explained to the online website, "Whatever I'm doing, I feel like I'm representing country music". "It's always been my main career, and it's where my loyalties lie. I feel like I'm waving the flag of country music wherever I go, and I couldn't be prouder to do it."[179]

Personal life

[edit]

McEntire is a Christian, and she has stated that her faith in God has helped her immensely throughout her life.[180]

Two of her siblings have also had careers in the music industry. Her brother Pake dabbled in the country music industry in the late 1980s, but returned to Oklahoma after a brief stint. He owns and operates a 1,000-acre (400 ha) ranch near Coalgate, Oklahoma, and continues to rodeo. Her sister Susie McEntire-Eaton (Martha Susan "Susie" McEntire-Eaton, formerly Luchsinger) is a successful Christian music singer, who travels the country with her husband, speaking and performing. She also has an older sister, Alice Foran, a retired social worker who resides in Lane, Oklahoma. Her niece Calamity McEntire is the associate head coach for the University of Illinois women's basketball team.[181][182]

Relationships and family

[edit]

In 1976, McEntire married steer wrestling champion and rancher Charlie Battles, who was 10 years her senior and had two sons from his previous marriage. The couple shared a ranch in Oklahoma. In 1987, McEntire divorced Battles and moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to further pursue her career.[183][184][185]

In 1989, McEntire married her manager and former steel guitar player Narvel Blackstock. The couple wed at Lake Tahoe on a boat in a private ceremony. Together, the pair took over all aspects of McEntire's career, forming Starstruck Entertainment, which was originally designed to help manage her career. From her marriage to Blackstock, McEntire gained three stepchildren, Chassidy, Shawna, and Brandon. She gave birth to a son, Shelby Steven McEntire Blackstock, in February 1990. On August 3, 2015, a joint statement on McEntire's website announced that Blackstock and she had been separated for a few months after 26 years of marriage.[186] McEntire announced in December 2015 that their divorce had been finalized on October 28, 2015. Despite the divorce, McEntire remains very close to her three stepchildren and the Blackstock family; she considers her stepchildren's children to be her grandchildren.[187]

McEntire's stepson Brandon Blackstock married singer Kelly Clarkson, with whom he has a daughter and a son.[188] Speaking about their impending marriage in 2013, McEntire stated she was "Thrilled to death, to have my buddy as my daughter-in-law. I mean, who could ask for more?"[189] Blackstock and Clarkson's divorce was finalized in March 2022.[190] He died of melanoma on August 7, 2025, at the age of 48.[191][192]

McEntire with her boyfriend Rex Linn in 2022

In 2017, McEntire began a relationship with photographer Anthony "Skeeter" Lasuzzo. The couple met through McEntire's association with Kix Brooks. In describing her feelings about Lasuzzo, she stated in April 2019, "We're totally in love — absolutely," she says. "I wouldn't put up with somebody for two years if I wasn't in love with 'em!"[193] McEntire and Lasuzzo separated six months later.[194]

In 2020, McEntire began dating film and TV actor Rex Linn.[195] They first met on the set of The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw (1991) and reconnected almost 30 years later when McEntire guest-starred as June on Young Sheldon, where Linn has a recurring role as principal of Sheldon's high school.[196] In an interview prior to the 2025 Emmy Awards ceremony, McEntire and Linn announced their engagement.[197] However, the engagement took place months prior in December 2024. [198]

Philanthropy

[edit]

In 1992, she opened Reba's Ranch House in Denison, Texas,[199] an extended-stay residence for relatives of patients undergoing treatment at Texoma Medical Center or other nearby facilities.[200][201]

Over the course of her career, she has been and continues to be an active supporter of various charitable organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army, the American Red Cross, Feeding America, and Celebrity Fight Night. She has been honored with the Minnie Pearl Award, the ACM Home Depot Humanitarian Award, and the Andrea Bocelli Foundation Humanitarian Award for her efforts. In 2018, she was honored with the Horatio Alger Award for Education, Charity Work. Named after the "rags to riches" writer, the award recognizes perseverance and giving back.[202][203][204]

Accolades

[edit]

McEntire has the second-most wins for the Academy of Country Music's Top Female Vocalist Awards with seven. McEntire holds the record American Music Awards for Favorite Country Female Artist (12). She also holds the distinction of being the first to win the Country Music Association's Female Vocalist of the Year Award four times consecutively. Martina McBride won Female Vocalist four times, although not consecutively. In 2013, Miranda Lambert tied McEntire to win Female Vocalist four years in a row and in 2016 Carrie Underwood joined this elite club by winning her fourth Female Vocalist award. McEntire is also a rare musical artist to achieve solo number-ones across four decades (1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s). She holds the record for second-most CMA Award nominations for a female artist, with 51. McEntire has the second-most ACM Awards nominations for a female artist with 47, respectively.[205] She is also the recipient of three Grammy Awards, winning in 1987, 1994 and 2018. In December 2018, McEntire received the Kennedy Center Honor.[206]

When Reba McEntire made her Grand Ole Opry debut on September 17, 1977, she almost did not make it in the door after a guard at the Opry gate missed her name on the night's list of performers.[207] Her parents and older sister, Alice, drove 1,400 miles round trip from their Oklahoma home to see what turned out to be Reba's three-minute performance that night. Her act was cut from two songs to just one—"Invitation to the Blues"—because of a surprise appearance by Dolly Parton.[207] McEntire was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on January 17, 1986.[207] "The Grand Ole Opry is a home," she says. "It's a family. It's like a family reunion, when you come back and get to see everybody."[208]

In 2011, the Country Music Association announced that McEntire would be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.[209] McEntire was unable to attend the announcement after her father had slipped into a coma following a stroke.[209] McEntire attended the official induction ceremony alongside the other 2011 inductees Jean Shepard and Bobby Braddock. She was inducted by Dolly Parton.

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]

Tours

[edit]
Headlining tours
  • The Reba McEntire Show (1985)
  • The Last One to Know Tour (1987)[211]
  • North American Tour '88 (1988)[212]
  • World Tour '89 (1989)[213]
  • '90 Tour (1990)[214]
  • Rumor Has It Tour (1991)[215]
  • Reba in Concert (1992)[216]
  • It's Your Call Tour (1993)[217]
  • Read My Mind Tour (1994)[218]
  • Starting Over Tour (1995)[219]
  • 20th Anniversary Tour (1996-97)[220]
  • Singer's Diary (1999-2000)[221]
  • Room to Breathe Tour (2004)[222]
  • All the Women I Am Tour (2011-12)[223]
  • Canadian Tour (2013)[224]
  • Reba Live! (2018)[225]
  • Summer Tour 2019 (2019)[226]
  • Reba: Live in Concert (2022-23)[227]
Co-headlining tours
Residency shows
Opening act

Filmography

[edit]
Film
Year Title Role Notes
1990 Tremors Heather Gummer
1994 Maverick Spectator Uncredited role
North Ma Tex
The Little Rascals A.J. Ferguson
2001 One Night at McCool's Dr. Green
2006 The Fox and the Hound 2 Dixie (voice) Direct-to-video
Charlotte's Web Betsy (voice)
2016 The Land Before Time XIV: Journey of the Brave[237] Etta (voice) Direct-to-video
2019 Spies in Disguise Joy Jenkins (voice)
2021 Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar Trish
Television
Year Title Role Notes
1985 – 2012,
2018 – 2019
Academy of Country Music Awards Herself with Vince Gill
1990–1992,
2019–2020
Country Music Association Awards with Randy Travis: 1990
with Vince Gill: 1992
with Carrie Underwood & Dolly Parton: 2019
with Darius Rucker: 2020
1991 The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw Burgundy Jones Television film
1992 WrestleMania VIII Herself Television special
1993 The Man from Left Field Nancy Lee Prinzi Television film
1994 Frasier Rachel (voice) Episode: "Fortysomething"
Is There Life Out There? Lily Marshall Television film
1995 Buffalo Girls Annie Oakley Main role
1998 Forever Love Lizzie Brooks Television film
Hercules Artemis (voice) 2 episodes
1999 Secret of Giving Rose Cameron Television film
2001–2007 Reba Reba Hart Main role
2010 Better with You Lorraine Ashley Episode: "Better With Flirting"
2011 Working Class Renee Episode: "Sugar Mama"
2012–2013 Malibu Country Reba McKenzie Main role
2012 Blake Shelton's Not So Family Christmas Herself Special
2013 Kelly Clarkson's Cautionary Christmas Music Tale
2015–16 Baby Daddy Charlotte 2 episodes
2015 Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris Herself Episode: "Reba"
Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade Television special
2015, 2023–2025 The Voice Coach (season 2426, 28)
2016 Last Man Standing Billie Cassidy Episode: "Outdoor Woman"
America's Got Talent Herself (guest judge) Episode: "Judge Cuts 2"
2018 Red Blooded Ruby Adair Episode: "Pilot"
2020–2022, 2024 Young Sheldon June Recurring role (seasons 3–5, 7)
2021 Christmas in Tune Georgia Television film
2022–2023 Big Sky Sunny Barnes Main role
2023 Reba McEntire's The Hammer[238] Judge Kim Wheeler Television film
2024-Present Happy's Place Bobbie Lead Role & Executive Producer[239]
Theater
Year Title Role Notes
2001 Annie Get Your Gun Annie Oakley
2006 South Pacific: In Concert from Carnegie Hall Nellie Forbush

Publications

[edit]
  • McEntire, Reba (May 1, 1994). Reba: My Story. New York: Bantam Books. ISBN 978-0553096071.
  • McEntire, Reba (April 13, 1999). Comfort from a Country Quilt: Finding New Inspiration and Strength from Old-Fashioned Values. New York: Bantam Books. ISBN 978-0-553-10794-4.
  • McEntire, Reba (October 10, 2023). Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots. New York: Harper Celebrate. ISBN 978-1400238255.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Reba Nell McEntire, professionally known as Reba McEntire, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur, widely acclaimed as the "Queen of Country Music" for her influential contributions to the genre over five decades. Born on March 28, 1955, in , she was raised on her family's 8,000-acre in nearby Chockie, where she developed a strong work ethic and passion for music influenced by her mother, Jackie, a former schoolteacher and singer, and her father, , a world champion steer roper. McEntire began performing publicly as a child with her siblings Susannah and Pake in the family band, the Singing McEntires, and gained early exposure singing the at rodeos, including the 1974 , which led to her signing a with in 1975. McEntire's music career took off in the late 1970s with her self-titled debut album in 1977, but she achieved breakthrough success after switching to MCA Records in 1984, releasing the neo-traditionalist album My Kind of Country, which featured her first number-one singles "How Blue" and "Somebody Should Leave." She has since amassed 24 number-one hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, more than 60 top-10 singles, and more number-one country albums than any other female artist, with total record sales exceeding 58 million worldwide. Iconic hits like "Fancy" (a cover that became her signature song), "Whoever's in New England," and "Consider Me Gone" showcase her versatile vocal style blending traditional country with pop and gospel elements, earning her three Grammy Awards, including one for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 1987. Her accolades also include four Country Music Association (CMA) Female Vocalist of the Year awards, the CMA Entertainer of the Year in 1986, induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011, and the Kennedy Center Honors in 2018. Beyond music, McEntire has built a multifaceted career in entertainment and business, starring in the hit sitcom Reba from 2001 to 2007, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination, and appearing in films like Tremors (1990) and the TV series Big Sky (2021–2022). She made her Broadway debut in the 2001 revival of Annie Get Your Gun, receiving critical praise, and founded her own entertainment company, Starstruck Entertainment, in 1988, which manages her touring, recording, and merchandising ventures. In recent years, McEntire has continued to tour extensively, served as a coach on The Voice in 2023 and returned for Season 28 in 2025, released her 33rd studio album, Not That Fancy, in 2023 alongside a of the same name, earned her 18th Grammy nomination in 2025 for "Trailblazer," and starred in the new sitcom Happy's Place (2024–present), while marking the 50th anniversary of her first record deal in November 2025, maintaining her status as one of country's most enduring and beloved figures. On a personal note, she was married to Charlie Battles from 1976 to 1987 and to Narvel Blackstock from 1989 to 2015, with whom she has a son, Shelby, born in 1990; she has been engaged to actor since December 2024.

Early life

Family and childhood

Reba Nell McEntire was born on March 28, 1955, in . She was the third of four children in a ranching family, with older sister Alice and brother Pake (also known as Del), and younger sister Susie. Her father, Clark McEntire, was a three-time world champion steer roper who managed the family's 8,000-acre cattle ranch in nearby Chockie, while her mother, Jackie McEntire, was a talented singer who encouraged musical pursuits among her children. McEntire's childhood was deeply rooted in ranch life, where she assisted with daily cattle operations alongside her family, fostering a strong work ethic and connection to rural Oklahoma traditions. The family frequently traveled the rodeo circuit, with Clark competing professionally, exposing Reba to the world of competitive roping and barrel racing from a young age; she began competing in barrel racing events herself during her early teens. Music was equally integral to family life, as Jackie taught her children to harmonize country songs during long drives to rodeos, often performing together informally in the car or at home. This blend of ranch duties, rodeo travels, and familial music-making shaped McEntire's formative years, instilling values of perseverance and creativity amid the demands of rural living. By her high school years, these influences had begun to converge, with McEntire and her siblings occasionally performing as a group, though her primary focus remained on balancing , ranch work, and competitions.

Early performances and education

From an early age, McEntire was immersed in music through her mother's influence; at six years old in first grade, she performed at a in a local high school, encouraged by Jacqueline's affirming words, "It’ll be fine. ." Her mother also taught McEntire and her siblings—older sister Alice, older brother Pake, and younger sister Susie—to sing in harmony during long car rides to , fostering their musical talents amid the family's rodeo lifestyle. As teenagers, McEntire and her siblings Pake and Susie formed the Singing McEntires, performing and songs at local , honky-tonks, and dance halls for about $13 per night. In 1971, the trio made their first recording, "The Ballad of ," a about their grandfather, which captured their early family harmony style. McEntire graduated from Kiowa High School in 1973 and continued performing with the group during her high school years, blending music with the family's circuit. McEntire enrolled at in 1974, majoring in elementary education with a minor in music, while competing as a barrel racer to help pay tuition. That same year, during her college years, she received her breakthrough opportunity by singing the at the in , where talent scout discovered her and encouraged her to pursue a recording career. She balanced her studies and rodeo commitments, graduating with her bachelor's degree in 1976 shortly after signing her first record deal with .

Music career

1976–1983: Early recordings at

McEntire signed a with in November 1975, following her discovery by producer and talent scout at the 1974 , where she performed the . Her first single, "I Don't Want to Be a ," was released in 1976 and peaked at No. 88 on the chart, marking a modest debut amid her continued involvement in and college studies. Subsequent early singles, including "(There's Nothing Like the Love) Between a Woman and a Man" (No. 86 in 1977) and "Glad I Waited Just for You" (No. 88 in 1977), similarly achieved limited chart traction, reflecting the challenges of establishing herself in Nashville's competitive country scene. Her self-titled debut album, Reba McEntire, arrived in August 1977 but failed to chart, featuring a mix of covers and originals produced by Glenn Keener that leaned toward a pop-country sound. Over the next few years, McEntire released additional albums including Out of a Dream (1979), Feel the Fire (1980), Heart to Heart (1981, peaking at No. 42 on the chart), Unlimited (1982, No. 22), and Behind the Scene (1983). Breakthrough singles began to emerge, such as the "Three Sheets in the Wind" with Jacky Ward (Top 20 in 1978), her cover of "Sweet Dreams" (Top 20 in 1979), and "(You Lift Me) Up to Heaven" (No. 8 in 1980), which highlighted her growing vocal prowess and traditional country influences despite Mercury's push toward more crossover material. By 1982, McEntire achieved her first Top 5 hit with "Today All Over Again" and topped the chart for the first time with "Can't Even Get the Blues" from Unlimited, followed later that year by another No. 1, "You're the First Time I've Thought About Leaving." These successes, including a No. 3 peak for "I'm Not That Lonely Yet," signaled her rising momentum but also underscored frustrations with the label's production direction, leading her to seek a release from her contract in 1983 after six albums. During this period, she balanced her music career with personal milestones, such as marrying Charlie Battles in , while performing on the road and refining her live show.

1984–1990: Breakthrough success

McEntire signed with in 1983, marking a pivotal shift that allowed her greater creative control over her music production. Her debut MCA album, Just a Little Love (1984), peaked at No. 23 on the Top Country Albums chart and featured the top-five single "Just a Little Love," signaling her transition to a more polished sound while retaining traditional country elements. The follow-up, My Kind of Country (1984), became her breakthrough release, reaching No. 13 on the Top Country Albums chart and earning gold certification from the RIAA. It produced two No. 1 singles on the Hot Country Songs chart: "How Blue" and "Somebody Should Leave," which established McEntire as a dominant force in country music and highlighted her ability to blend heartfelt storytelling with commercial appeal. This success earned her the (CMA) Female Vocalist of the Year award in 1984, her first major industry honor. Building on this momentum, Have I Got a Deal for You (1985) peaked at No. 27 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, with the title track reaching No. 6 on the Hot Country Songs chart. McEntire's profile rose further in 1986 with two consecutive No. 1 albums: Whoever's in New England, her first to top the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and certified platinum, and What Am I Gonna Do About You, also No. 1 and gold-certified. These releases yielded multiple No. 1 singles, including the title tracks of both albums, "Little Rock," and "One Promise Too Late," showcasing her versatility in ballads and uptempo tracks. That year, she joined the Grand Ole Opry and won CMA Female Vocalist of the Year for the second consecutive time, as well as the prestigious CMA Entertainer of the Year award. In 1987, The Last One to Know reached No. 3 on the chart and produced the No. 1 single of the same name, along with top-ten hits "Love Will Find Its Way to You" and "One Honest Heart." McEntire capped the year with a sold-out concert at , a rare feat for a artist at the time, underscoring her growing crossover appeal. She continued her streak of CMA Female Vocalist wins in 1986 and 1987. The late 1980s solidified McEntire's commercial dominance. Her self-titled album Reba (1988) topped the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and was certified platinum, featuring top singles including the No. 1 "I Know How He Feels" and No. 2 peaks for "New Fool at an Old Game" and "Up to Heaven." Sweet Sixteen (1989), her 16th studio album, spent 13 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart—her longest-running No. 1 to date—and was certified platinum, with No. 1 hits including "Cathy's Clown" and "You Lie." Closing the decade, Rumor Has It (1990) also hit No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and No. 39 on the Billboard 200—her first entry into the mainstream top 40—achieving triple-platinum status. Standout singles included the top-three title track and the iconic cover "Fancy," which peaked at No. 8 and became a signature song in her catalog. Throughout this period, McEntire amassed over a dozen No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, transforming from a regional talent into country music's leading female star.

1991–1993: Plane crash and recovery

On March 16, 1991, following a concert in San Diego, California, a Hawker Siddeley DH-125 charter jet carrying eight members of Reba McEntire's touring entourage crashed into Otay Mountain near the U.S.-Mexico border, killing all ten people on board, including the two pilots. The victims included seven band members—sound engineer Jim Hammon, fiddler Michael Thomas, keyboardist Chris Austin, drummer Tony Saputo, bassist Joey Cigainero, steel guitarist Kirk Cappello, and singer Paula Kaye Evans—as well as tour manager Ron "Scarborough" Fairfax. The crash occurred at approximately 1:45 a.m. when the plane, departing Montgomery Field, clipped the mountain at 3,300 feet due to the pilots' unfamiliarity with the terrain and errors in FAA flight guidance. McEntire, her husband Narvel Blackstock, and stylist Sandy Spika had planned to fly on the same plane but took a commercial flight instead after Blackstock fell ill. The tragedy deeply affected McEntire, who described it as a profound loss, stating in a later interview that she relied on her faith, family, and fans to cope, noting, "I didn't know how I could go on, but I did." In the immediate aftermath, McEntire canceled several scheduled performances to grieve, but she returned to the stage just nine days later, performing "Fancy" at the 63rd Academy Awards on March 25, 1991, an act she later attributed to encouragement from the victims, saying, "I went ahead and sang the song because I felt Jim Hammon talking to me saying, 'Go do it for us.'" This resilience marked the beginning of her recovery, as she channeled her sorrow into her music. She resumed touring later that year, including a notable show in , where she honored her lost colleagues onstage. Friends in the industry, such as , provided emotional support during this period, helping McEntire navigate the personal and professional void left by the crash. McEntire's first major release following the tragedy was the album For My Broken Heart, issued on October 1, 1991, by MCA Records, which served as a tribute to her deceased bandmates and crew. Recorded in the months after the crash, the album reflected themes of loss and healing, with McEntire stating it captured her grief directly. It debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, peaking at No. 3 and remaining there for 12 weeks, while reaching No. 13 on the Billboard 200; certified quadruple platinum, it sold over four million copies in the U.S. The title track became her 16th No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, and the album produced three additional top-10 country singles, including "Is There Life Out There" and "Why Haven't I Heard From You," earning a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album in 1992. Building on this momentum, McEntire released in December 1992, her 18th studio album, which further demonstrated her artistic rebound. Featuring collaborations like "" with , the project debuted at No. 1 on the chart and No. 8 on the , eventually certified triple platinum with sales exceeding three million units. It included four top-10 country singles, solidifying her commercial dominance. In September 1993, she followed with the compilation Greatest Hits Volume Two, which debuted at No. 3 on the chart and peaked at No. 1 in early 1994, certified quintuple platinum for over five million copies sold. The album introduced two new tracks, including the duet "" with , which topped the country charts and won a Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals in 1994. These releases underscored McEntire's recovery, transforming personal into sustained career success and establishing her as a resilient figure in country music.

1994–2002: Peak commercial success

Following the recovery from the 1991 plane crash, McEntire entered a phase of unprecedented commercial dominance in country music, releasing a series of multi-platinum albums that solidified her status as one of the genre's top-selling artists. Her 1994 album Read My Mind marked a strong return, peaking at No. 2 on both the and charts, and earning platinum certification from the RIAA for sales exceeding one million copies. The project yielded four singles, including the No. 1 hit "The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter" and "Till You Love Me," which reached No. 2 on the chart, showcasing her ability to blend emotional ballads with crossover appeal. That same year, McEntire published her autobiography Reba: My Story, which became a and provided insight into her personal and professional journey, further boosting her public profile. McEntire's momentum continued with Starting Over in 1995, a covers album that topped the Top Country Albums chart for two weeks and reached No. 5 on the , also achieving platinum status. Highlights included reinterpreted classics like "Please Come to Boston" (No. 4 Hot Country Songs) and "One Thin Dime" (No. 3), demonstrating her versatility in paying homage to influences while maintaining chart-topping sales. Subsequent releases like (1996), which topped the Top Country Albums chart and peaked at No. 15 on the , produced the No. 1 single "How Was I to Know" and three other Top 20 hits, reinforcing her consistent radio dominance. By 1998, followed suit, hitting No. 1 on Top Country Albums and No. 8 on the , with the duet "If You See Him/If You See Her" (with ) claiming No. 1 on Hot Country Songs for five weeks. The 1999 album So Good Together peaked at No. 5 on Top Country Albums and No. 28 on the , certified platinum, and featured "What Do You Say," her first Top 40 entry on the at No. 31. These albums collectively sold millions, with McEntire amassing over 20 Top 10 country singles during the period and becoming the best-selling female artist in country music history at the time. Awards accolades underscored her peak success, including the Academy of Country Music's Entertainer of the Year in 1994 and 1995, along with Female Vocalist wins in 1994 and 1995, bringing her total ACM honors to a record-tying level for women. She also secured the Country Music Association's Female Vocalist of the Year in 1991, her fourth such win, and received Grammy nominations, such as Best Female Country Vocal Performance for "She Thinks His Name Was John" in 1995. McEntire's touring prowess amplified her commercial stature, with her roadshows frequently ranking among the top-grossing country tours, often the only female-led act in the overall top 10 across genres.

2003–2016: Label changes and comebacks

In November 2003, McEntire released her first studio album in four years, Room to Breathe, via MCA Nashville Records. The album marked a return to recording after focusing on her television series Reba and other projects, featuring a mix of contemporary country tracks co-produced by McEntire and Buddy Cannon. It debuted at number 4 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and number 25 on the Billboard 200, eventually certified platinum by the RIAA for shipments of one million copies in the United States. Lead single "I'm a Survivor" reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, while follow-up "Somebody" peaked at number 3, providing one of her notable hits during the period. Following the success of Room to Breathe, McEntire issued the compilation album Reba #1's in 2005, also on MCA Nashville, which collected 20 of her previous number-one singles along with two new tracks. The release debuted at number 3 on the Top Country Albums chart and number 12 on the , selling 117,000 copies in its first week. New single "You're Gonna Be" reached No. 33 on the chart. In 2007, she released Reba: Duets, her final studio album with MCA Nashville, featuring collaborations with artists including , , and . The album debuted at number 1 on both the Top Country Albums and charts—her first number-one album on the latter—selling 197,000 copies in its debut week and later certified . After 25 years with MCA Nashville, McEntire parted ways with the label in November 2008 and signed with The Valory Music Co., a division of Big Machine Label Group, seeking a fresh creative direction. Her debut on Valory, Keep On Loving You, arrived in August 2009 and debuted at number 1 on both the Top Country Albums and Billboard 200 charts, becoming her second consecutive number-one album on the all-genre ranking and certified gold by the RIAA. The title track reached number 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart, marking her 24th career number one there, while "Strange" debuted at number 39 upon its release at the 2009 Academy of Country Music Awards. In October 2010, she followed with All the Women I Am, which debuted at number 3 on the Top Country Albums chart and number 7 on the Billboard 200. The album's lead single "Turn On the Radio" peaked at No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart, showcasing her adaptability to modern production styles. After a five-year gap in studio releases, McEntire signed with Nash Icon Records—a joint venture between Big Machine Label Group and —in October 2014, positioning it as a platform for veteran artists and signaling her intent to revitalize her recording career. Her first album on the imprint, Love Somebody, was released in April 2015 and debuted at number 1 on the Top Country Albums chart and number 3 on the , moving 62,000 equivalent album units in its first week. The title track reached number 4 on the chart, and "Going Out Like That" became a top-25 hit, emphasizing upbeat, dance-oriented country. This period of label transitions and new releases reaffirmed McEntire's commercial viability, with each shift coinciding with strong chart performance and renewed fan engagement.

2017–present: Later career and recent releases

In 2017, McEntire released the double album Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope, comprising two volumes of gospel-inspired tracks that marked a return to her roots in inspirational music. The project, produced by of , featured collaborations with artists like and features heartfelt renditions of hymns and contemporary faith songs. It earned McEntire her second Grammy Award in 2018 for Best Roots Gospel Album at the . That year, she also received the Service Award at the ACM Honors for her contributions to philanthropy and industry service. McEntire continued her long-running Las Vegas residency with , Reba, Brooks & Dunn: Together in Vegas, which had been extended multiple times and became one of the longest-running country residencies in the city's history, concluding in 2022 after over 200 shows. By 2019, McEntire signed with and released her 33rd studio album, , a collection of 12 original songs emphasizing traditional about love, loss, and resilience. Produced by and McEntire herself, the album included singles like "" and "Tammy Wynette Kind of Pain," peaking at No. 4 on the chart. She hosted the for the 15th time that year, solidifying her role as a staple in music ceremonies. The CMT Artists of the Year special honored her with the Artist of a Lifetime Award, recognizing her enduring impact on the . The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted McEntire's touring plans in 2020, leading to postponed dates for her All the Women I Am Tour extension, but she adapted by releasing virtual performances and holiday specials. In 2021, she issued Revived Remixed Revisited, a three-disc compilation reimagining 30 of her career-spanning hits: the "Revived" disc featured live-band arrangements recorded during her tours, "Remixed" offered electronic and pop-infused versions by producers like , and "Revisited" paired her with contemporary artists such as and for duets. The set debuted at No. 13 on the Country Albums chart and celebrated her versatility across genres. Resuming live performances post-pandemic, McEntire launched her Reba Live in Concert tour in 2023, a 25-date arena run across that sold out multiple venues and showcased her high-energy sets blending classics with newer material. Accompanying her memoir Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots, she released the companion album Not That Fancy in October 2023, featuring 13 acoustic re-recordings of hits like "Fancy" and "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia," plus the new track "." The album peaked at No. 5 on the Country Albums chart and emphasized stripped-down, intimate interpretations. In 2024, she performed the national anthem at and hosted the 59th ACM Awards, where she delivered a medley of career highlights. Her touring continued with select dates, including appearances at major festivals. Entering 2025, McEntire hosted the 60th ACM Awards for the 18th time, opening with an all-star medley of Song of the Year winners spanning six decades and debuting the new collaborative single "Trailblazer" with and , which celebrates female trailblazers in country music. She announced reissues including the 30th anniversary edition of Starting Over (due January 2026) and The Hits vinyl compilation, highlighting her chart-topping singles. Ongoing tours included stops at venues like RodeoHouston and the Grand Ole Opry, while she received the Paley Center for Media's 2025 Paley Honors for her multifaceted career in music and entertainment. These efforts underscore McEntire's sustained relevance, with over 75 million records sold worldwide and a focus on legacy projects amid selective new material.

Acting career

1980s–1990s: Initial forays into film and TV

McEntire made her acting debut in 1990 with the role of Heather Gummer in the horror-comedy Tremors, where she portrayed a strong-willed survivor battling giant underground creatures alongside and . The performance marked her transition from stardom to screen , earning praise for her comedic timing and portraying a character who wielded a in a memorable scene. This role came amid her rising music career, serving as an initial exploration into that showcased her versatility beyond performing. In 1991, following the tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of seven band members and her road manager, McEntire took on the part of Burgundy Jones, a saloon singer, in the CBS television movie The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw, starring opposite as a gambler navigating . The film provided her first substantial television acting credit, blending her musical background with dramatic elements in a Western setting. She also made a brief uncredited appearance as a spectator in the 1994 Western comedy Maverick, directed by Richard Donner and featuring Mel Gibson, while contributing to the soundtrack choir with other country artists. Throughout the mid-1990s, McEntire expanded her television presence with leading roles in made-for-TV movies that often drew from her personal life and music catalog. In 1994, she starred as Lily Marshall in the CBS film Is There Life Out There?, a story of a woman pursuing education later in life, inspired by her own hit song of the same name. That year, she also appeared as A.J. Ferguson in the family comedy The Little Rascals and as Ma Tex in the satirical film North. Guest spots included a voice role as caller Rachel on the NBC sitcom Frasier in the episode "Fortysomething," where she discussed relationship woes, and a musical guest appearance as herself on CBS's Evening Shade during a 1993 baby shower episode. Her portrayal of sharpshooter in the 1995 CBS miniseries , alongside and , received critical acclaim for capturing the historical figure's spirit. Later in the decade, she executive produced and starred in sentimental TV movies like Forever Love (1998) as Lizzie Brooks, dealing with romance and regret, and Secret of Giving (1999) as Rose Cameron, a widow finding holiday solace. These projects solidified her early acting career, often emphasizing themes of resilience and family that resonated with her persona.

2001–2007: Broadway and sitcom stardom

In early 2001, Reba McEntire made her Broadway debut in the revival of the musical Annie Get Your Gun, taking on the lead role of sharpshooter Annie Oakley from January 26 to June 22. Her performance, opposite Brent Barrett as Frank Butler, infused the character with authentic country flair and energetic physicality, earning widespread critical acclaim for revitalizing Irving Berlin's score with fresh emotional depth in songs like "They Say It's Wonderful" and "Lost in His Arms." Reviewers praised her natural comedic timing and vocal prowess, with The New York Times describing the reception as a "love letter" and casting director Stuart Howard calling it one of the best musical comedy performances he had seen. McEntire's run significantly boosted the production's box office, increasing attendance from 63% capacity during the prior star's tenure to 96.7% by mid-June, while attracting a broader crossover audience and fostering her integration into the Broadway community through appearances at events like Tony nominee announcements. For her efforts, she received the Drama Desk Special Award and the Theatre World Award in 2001. That same year, McEntire transitioned to television with the sitcom Reba, which premiered on October 5, 2001, on The WB network and became one of its highest-rated scripted series. The show, created by Kevin Abbott, followed McEntire as Reba Hart, a resilient single mother in Houston navigating the chaos of her recent divorce from her unfaithful husband Brock (Christopher Rich), her best friend Barbra Jean (Melissa Peterman) becoming Brock's new partner, and her teenage daughter Cheyenne's (JoAnna Garcia Swisher) unexpected pregnancy and marriage to high school athlete Van (Steve Howey). Running for six seasons and 127 episodes until its finale on February 18, 2007—shifting to The CW for its final season after the networks' merger—the series blended family humor with heartfelt moments, emphasizing themes of forgiveness and adaptation. Reba achieved strong viewership throughout its run, averaging over 4 million viewers per episode in its first four seasons and setting a record for The WB's Friday night slot with peaks around 4.5 million in season 2, though numbers dipped to about 3.6 million by the final season on The CW. The show's success highlighted McEntire's comedic timing and dramatic range, leading to multiple accolades, including People's Choice Awards for Favorite Female Performer in a New Television Series (2001) and Favorite Female TV Performer (2002), as well as a 2004 Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy. Additional recognition came through nominations at the TV Guide Awards and wins at the Young Artist Awards for family-friendly comedy, underscoring its broad appeal and McEntire's pivotal role in elevating the sitcom to cultural staple status during this period.

2011–present: Return to television and new projects

Following the conclusion of her sitcom Reba in 2007, McEntire made her return to series television in 2012 with the lead role of Reba MacKenzie in the ABC comedy , a fish-out-of-water story about a singer divorcing her cheating husband and relocating to with her family. The series, which also starred as her mother, premiered on November 2, 2012, and aired for one season, concluding in 2013 after 18 episodes due to modest ratings. McEntire continued with guest-starring roles throughout the 2010s, including a 2016 appearance on Last Man Standing as Billie Cassidy, a rugged rock climber and Mike Baxter's ex-girlfriend, who pitches outdoor gear to his store. From 2020 to 2024, she portrayed the recurring character Ballard, the spirited ex-wife of Dale Ballard (), on CBS's , appearing in multiple episodes across several seasons and reuniting with elements of her sitcom persona in a family comedy setting. In 2021 and 2023, McEntire starred in Lifetime television movies that highlighted her dramatic range. She played Georgia Winter, a former singing partner reuniting with her ex-husband for a holiday charity concert, in Reba McEntire's Christmas in Tune, which premiered on November 26, 2021. In Reba McEntire's The Hammer, released on January 7, 2023, she portrayed Kim Wheeler, a traveling hammer judge inspired by real-life circuit judge Lois Heaney, alongside co-star from her Reba days. McEntire expanded her television presence in 2022 by joining the third season of ABC's thriller Big Sky as series regular Sunny Barnes, the enigmatic matriarch of a outfitter family harboring dark secrets; the role marked a departure from her comedic roots into more suspenseful territory, and her real-life partner played her on-screen husband Buck. The season aired from September 2022 to March 2023, after which the series was canceled. Beginning in 2023, McEntire took on a mentoring role on NBC's The Voice, first as a Mega Mentor for season 23 and then as a full coach starting with season 24 (fall 2023), continuing through seasons 25 (which she won with contestant Asher HaVon), 26, and 28 (which premiered in fall 2025). Her coaching tenure emphasized her expertise, guiding contestants alongside peers like and . In 2024, McEntire returned to leading a with Happy's Place on , portraying Bobbie, a woman who inherits her father's only to discover her half-sister as co-owner, forcing them to navigate family tensions and business challenges. The multi-camera comedy premiered on October 18, 2024, received a full-season order of 18 episodes, and was renewed for a second season in February 2025, which debuted on November 7, 2025; it features guest appearances from former Reba co-stars like and Christopher Rich, blending nostalgia with new dynamics.

Business ventures and other work

Fashion and branding

McEntire launched her first major fashion venture in 2005 with the "Reba" women's clothing line in partnership with department stores, marking the retailer's inaugural celebrity apparel collaboration. The collection, developed with New York-based design firm Icon Creations, featured approximately 50 styles including sportswear, careerwear, casual pieces, and knit separates in sizes 4-14, priced from $48 to $289. Emphasizing comfort, quality, and western-inspired aesthetics reflective of her roots, the line quickly expanded to include home accents, shoes, and accessories, remaining available at as of 2025 with seasonal collections like fall sweaters and jackets. In 2008, McEntire extended her branding into travel accessories with a luggage line also exclusive to , designed for durability and style suitable for both men and women, aligning with her frequent touring lifestyle. This was followed by further diversification: in 2015, she introduced Reba Beauty, a collection starting with a hybrid lipstick-gloss product infused with natural ingredients like sunflower and rosemary oils, sold initially on Amazon and her website before expanding to and with eyeshadows, blushes, and lip trios. McEntire's footwear branding emerged in 2017 through "Reba by Justin," a collaboration with Justin Boot Company featuring western boots, booties, sneakers, and casual shoes crafted from premium leathers with custom comfort systems and motifs inspired by her life story, such as heritage and stage performances. In 2016, she partnered with Old Country Store for "Rockin' R by Reba," an exclusive retail assortment encompassing apparel, handbags, home décor like studded lamps and scented candles, toys, and playsets aimed at multigenerational appeal, including items for her grandchildren. These ventures underscore McEntire's entrepreneurial approach to branding, blending country authenticity with accessible luxury to create enduring product lines that complement her public image as a multifaceted entertainer. Her official online store, reba.com's "Not That Fancy" shop, centralizes sales of apparel and related merchandise, reinforcing her personal touch in design and quality oversight.

Books and publications

Reba McEntire has authored three notable books, spanning , inspiration, and lifestyle guidance, often co-written with Tom Carter for the earlier works. These publications reflect her personal experiences, values rooted in her upbringing, and insights from her career in and . Her debut book, Reba: My Story, published in 1994 by , is an that chronicles her rise from a in to country music stardom. Co-authored with Tom Carter, it details her early performances with her siblings, the 1991 plane crash that claimed the lives of eight band members, and her resilience in rebuilding her career. The hardcover edition spans 319 pages and became a , offering readers an intimate look at her dynamics, professional challenges, and faith-driven outlook. A version followed in 1995. In 1999, McEntire released Comfort from a Country Quilt: Finding New Inspiration and Strength in Old-Fashioned Values, also published by and co-authored with Carter. This 192-page inspirational work draws on as a for piecing together life's lessons, blending personal anecdotes, humor, and reflections on , perseverance, and . It emphasizes traditional values like hard work and community, inspired by her rural roots, and includes practical advice for everyday challenges. The book received positive reviews for its warm, accessible tone and was released in both and audio formats. McEntire's most recent publication, Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots, appeared on October 10, 2023, from Harper Celebrate. This 288-page lifestyle book features nearly 200 personal photographs, over 50 recipes for dishes like Oklahoma-inspired comfort foods, and behind-the-scenes stories from her career and life. It promotes straightforward approaches to relationships, cooking, and , encouraging readers to embrace authenticity over extravagance. The release coincided with a companion album and topped bestseller lists including The New York Times and USA Today, underscoring its broad appeal.

Television hosting and judging

McEntire has established herself as a prominent figure in television hosting within the country music industry, particularly through her extensive tenure emceeing major awards ceremonies. She holds the record for the most hosting appearances at the (ACM) Awards, with 18 outings as of the 60th ceremony in 2025, including both solo and co-hosting roles dating back to 1986. Her ACM hosting stints often feature elaborate musical numbers and tributes, showcasing her performance skills alongside her presenting duties, as seen in the 2025 event where she opened with a medley collaboration. Additionally, McEntire has hosted the (CMA) Awards five times, including co-hosting the 54th annual show in 2020 with and the 2019 edition alongside and . These appearances highlight her ability to blend humor, storytelling, and musical interludes, contributing to her reputation as a versatile entertainer on broadcasts. Beyond awards shows, McEntire has taken on hosting roles for holiday specials and other televised events. In 2025, she is scheduled to host NBC's "Christmas in " special on December 3, where she will also perform, marking a return to festive programming that aligns with her history of seasonal television engagements. Her hosting style emphasizes warmth and audience engagement, often drawing on her roots to create inclusive, family-oriented atmospheres during these broadcasts. In the realm of judging and coaching, McEntire joined NBC's "The Voice" as a coach starting in season 24 (2023), following an earlier role as a mega mentor in season 23. She continued in seasons 25 and 26, before returning for season 28 in 2025, during which she mentored contestants through blind auditions, battles, and live performances. McEntire achieved a significant milestone by winning season 25 with her contestant Asher HaVon, demonstrating her expertise in vocal coaching and artist development within the competitive format. Her involvement on "The Voice" has been praised for bringing a nurturing yet discerning perspective, informed by her decades in the music industry, and she has incorporated personal anecdotes from her career to guide emerging talents.

Musical style and legacy

Artistic influences and themes

McEntire's artistic influences stem deeply from her family background and the traditional country music scene of her youth. Growing up on a cattle ranch in Oklahoma, she was profoundly shaped by her mother, Jackie McEntire, a talented singer who performed with the family band, the Singing McEntires. This familial immersion in Western swing and honky-tonk styles laid the foundation for her sound, with early exposure to rodeo performances reinforcing her connection to authentic country roots. Among individual artists, Patsy Cline emerged as a primary idol, whose emotive delivery McEntire emulated in her 1979 cover of "Sweet Dreams." Dolly Parton also served as a significant influence, with McEntire citing her as a childhood favorite whose songwriting and stage presence inspired her own blend of storytelling and charisma. Other key figures include Loretta Lynn and Barbara Mandrell, whose bold portrayals of women's experiences in country music encouraged McEntire to prioritize narrative depth in her work. Thematically, McEntire's music consistently explores the complexities of women's lives, emphasizing , resilience, and emotional authenticity. She has articulated a deliberate focus on songs that voice women's unspoken struggles, stating, "I’m trying to sing songs for women, to say for them what they can’t say for themselves." This is evident in empowerment anthems like "Fancy," a rags-to-riches tale of survival and self-determination originally written by , which McEntire transformed into a signature hit celebrating female agency. Tracks such as "" further highlight themes of perseverance amid adversity, portraying single motherhood and personal triumph with raw honesty. Heartbreak and relational dynamics form another core pillar, often depicted with nuance rather than . Albums like (1991) delve into separation, loneliness, and recovery, as in "All Dressed Up (With Nowhere to Go)," where McEntire's expressive vocals amplify the melancholy of . Later works, such as those on (2019), balance these introspective elements with lighter reflections on life's joys, maintaining a commitment to relatable, character-driven narratives that bridge traditional country with broader emotional resonance.

Impact and recognition

Reba McEntire is widely regarded as the most successful female country performer of her generation, having sold more than 75 million records worldwide and achieving more number-one country albums than any other female artist. Her music has profoundly influenced the by centering women's experiences, with emotionally resonant songs that address personal struggles, relationships, and empowerment, serving as a voice for female audiences who often felt underrepresented in traditional country narratives. McEntire pioneered elevated production standards in country concerts during the 1980s and 1990s, introducing elaborate staging, video screens, and theatrical elements that blended music with visual spectacle, setting a template for modern live performances in the . As a for subsequent artists, McEntire's versatility—spanning traditional , pop-infused ballads, and —demonstrated how performers could evolve while maintaining authenticity, inspiring figures like and to explore broader stylistic boundaries. She holds the distinction of being the only artist to score solo number-one hits across four consecutive decades, from the 1980s through the 2010s, underscoring her enduring relevance and adaptability in a male-dominated industry. Her influence continues into the 2020s, as seen in collaborations on her 2025 single "Trailblazer" with rising stars and , and her 18th Grammy nomination for Best Country Duo/Group Performance in 2025. McEntire's recognition includes three Grammy Awards: Best Female Country Vocal Performance for "Whoever's in New England" in 1987, Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for "Does He Love You" with Linda Davis in 1994, and Best Roots Gospel Album for Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope in 2018. She has received 16 , including Entertainer of the Year in 1994 and a record number of Female Vocalist wins, as well as six , such as Female Vocalist of the Year four consecutive years from 1984 to 1987 and Entertainer of the Year in 1986. Further honors encompass induction into the in 2011, the in 2018 for lifetime achievement in the , and the first Icon Award in 2014 for her lasting impact on . She was also inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1986 and the Hall of Fame in 2012, reflecting her broad cultural footprint beyond recording.

Personal life

Marriages and family

Reba Nell McEntire was born on March 28, 1955, in , the second of four children to Jacqueline "Jackie" McEntire (née Smith) and Clark Vincent McEntire. Her father was a three-time world champion steer roper and owner of an 8,000-acre cattle ranch in , while her mother was a former schoolteacher, elementary school principal, and world champion barrel racer inducted into the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. The family emphasized hard work, , and music; McEntire and her siblings—older sister Alice (born 1951), brother Pake (born 1953), and younger sister Susie (born 1957)—performed as the Singing McEntires during road trips to rodeos, fostering her early interest in country music. At age 21, McEntire married Charlie Battles, a 31-year-old divorced champion and rancher, on June 21, 1976, in . Battles brought two young sons from his previous marriage—Channing "Coty" (born 1971) and (born 1973)—to the union, and McEntire became their , helping raise them on the family ranch while pursuing her music career. The couple, who shared a 10-year age gap, divorced in 1987 after 11 years amid growing tensions from McEntire's rising stardom and professional demands; they had no biological children together. Following her divorce, McEntire entered a personal and professional relationship with her manager, Narvel Blackstock, whom she had hired in 1980. They married on June 3, 1989, in a private ceremony at Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Blackstock, previously married to Elisa Gayle Ritter, had three children: daughter Shawna (born 1970), son Brandon (born 1976), and daughter Chassidy (born 1978); McEntire embraced her role as stepmother to them, integrating the blended family into her life in Nashville. On February 23, 1990, the couple welcomed their only biological child, son Shelby Steven McEntire Blackstock, born in Nashville, Tennessee; Shelby pursued a career as a professional race car driver and married Kelly O'Neil in 2015 before their divorce in 2022. McEntire and Blackstock announced their amicable divorce on August 3, 2015, after 26 years of marriage, attributing the split to personal growth; they maintained a business partnership through McEntire Entertainment until Blackstock's retirement in 2018. McEntire has described her family—biological and stepchildren alike—as a close-knit unit, stating, "I claim them all as my own."

Relationships

McEntire's first significant romantic relationship after her divorce from Narvel Blackstock was with pilot and businessman Anthony "Skeeter" Lasuzzo, which began in early 2017. The couple kept their relationship relatively private but were occasionally spotted together at events, including a trip to Las Vegas. They ended their relationship in November 2019 after more than two years together, with McEntire later describing the split as amicable. In January 2020, McEntire began dating actor , whom she had first met in 1991 on the set of the film The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw. Their friendship deepened over the years through shared professional circles in Hollywood and Nashville, but it evolved into romance after reconnecting at a virtual event during the early . The pair bonded over simple pleasures, such as sharing on their , and have since maintained a close partnership, often appearing together at public events like the 2020 and the 2023 Golden Globes. McEntire has publicly praised Linn's supportive nature, calling him a "great guy to be in love with" in a 2023 interview. In September 2025, McEntire and Linn publicly announced their engagement, which occurred on December 24, 2024, with McEntire expressing profound happiness in the relationship, stating she had "never been loved by a man" like Linn. As of November 2025, the couple has shared that they are enjoying the engagement without rushing wedding plans, prioritizing their professional commitments. The couple continues to balance their careers, with Linn frequently visiting McEntire on the set of her show The Voice and joining her at industry award shows.

Philanthropic efforts

McEntire has been actively involved in philanthropy throughout her career, with a particular emphasis on supporting families facing medical hardships, disaster relief, and children's health initiatives. Her efforts are driven by personal experiences, including her mother's battle with bladder cancer, which she fought until her death in 2020. One of her most significant contributions is the establishment of Reba's Ranch House in 1992, her only named charitable organization. Located in Denison, Texas, near the Texoma Medical Center, it provides free, home-like lodging for out-of-town families and caregivers of patients undergoing treatment at local hospitals in North Texas and Southern Oklahoma. The facility, which serves approximately 800 families annually, was funded initially through a series of Memorial Day benefit concerts McEntire organized starting in 1987, raising proceeds to build the original house. In 2010, the structure was relocated and renovated to enhance its capacity and amenities, continuing to offer comfort, meals, and support services without charge. McEntire entrusted its operations to the Texoma Community Foundation in 2022 to ensure its long-term sustainability, reflecting her commitment to providing "hope, warmth, and home" for those in crisis. Beyond Reba's Ranch House, McEntire has supported through various fundraising campaigns. She participated in the 2020 launch of the "We Won't Stop" initiative, a country music-led effort to boost monthly donations for research and treatment, where she joined artists like and to promote the cause. Additionally, she has directed her annual birthday fundraisers toward since at least 2020, emphasizing the hospital's no-cost policy for families covering treatment, travel, housing, and food. Her involvement highlights contributions to advancing survival rates from 20% to over 80% since St. Jude's founding. McEntire has also been a longstanding advocate for the , joining its Celebrity Cabinet in 2010 alongside to raise awareness and funds for disaster relief. She has appeared in announcements, including a 2010 holiday campaign promoting donations as "gifts of hope" and a 2017 spot titled "My Hands Are Your Hands," urging support for emergency responses. Her efforts extended to specific disasters, such as encouraging donations for relief in 2017. In 2011, she highlighted the Red Cross in the ACM Lifting Lives "My Cause" series, underscoring her volunteerism and commitment to aiding those affected by crises. Her philanthropic work has earned several recognitions, including the 2015 Andrea Bocelli Foundation Humanitarian Award, presented at the Celebrity Fight Night in Italy for her dedication to helping children and families. In 2018, she received the Horatio Alger Award from the Horatio Alger Association for her charitable endeavors, perseverance, and support for education. Additionally, the Academy of Country Music honored her with the Home Depot Humanitarian Award in 2012 for her broader contributions to humanitarian causes. These accolades affirm the impact of her efforts in fostering community support and resilience.

Tours and live performances

Major tours

Reba McEntire's touring career spans more than four decades, beginning with family performances in the and evolving into large-scale arena productions that have cemented her as the most successful female artist in country music touring history, according to Boxscore. With a career total of over $245 million in gross revenue and more than nine million tickets sold as of , her tours have consistently drawn massive crowds, blending high-energy hits, elaborate stage designs, and personal storytelling to connect with fans across . One of her landmark co-headlining efforts was the 1997–1998 and Reba: The Tour, which paired McEntire with the duo for 70 shows, grossing $33.3 million and selling 838,000 tickets; the production emphasized collaborative sets of their respective chart-toppers, highlighting McEntire's versatility in shared billing. In 2008, McEntire co-headlined the 2 Worlds 2 Voices Tour with , a limited 20-city run that fused country and pop influences through duets and individual sets, kicking off in , and showcasing their vocal synergy on tracks like "Because of You." The 2011 All the Women I Am Tour, supporting her album of the same name, marked a return to solo arena touring after a Broadway stint; it earned McEntire the title of No. 1 female country touring artist from both and Boxscore, with dynamic performances of empowerment anthems and career-spanning medleys that underscored her enduring appeal. After focusing on television and residencies in the mid-2010s, McEntire launched the 2022–2023 Reba: Live in Concert tour, her highest-grossing solo headlining outing at $42.1 million, featuring updated arrangements of classics like "Fancy" and new material, while navigating pandemic-related delays to deliver intimate yet grand spectacles. In 2024 and 2025, she continued performing at major venues, including arena shows in March and May 2025, and a fall tour from October to November 2025. Throughout her career, McEntire has headlined numerous other tours tied to album releases, such as those promoting Whoever's in New England (1986) and Starting Over (1995), contributing to her status as a top-20 all-time grossing country artist and influencing the scale of female-led country productions.

Residencies and special shows

McEntire co-headlined the concert residency Reba, Brooks & Dunn: Together in Vegas with the duo Brooks & Dunn at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. The production launched on June 19, 2015, and ran intermittently until its conclusion on December 15, 2021, comprising over 95 performances and establishing it as the longest-running country music residency in Las Vegas history. The shows featured individual sets of signature hits from each act—such as McEntire's "Fancy" and Brooks & Dunn's "Boot Scootin' Boogie"—alongside joint renditions, including their 2008 duet "Cowgirls Don't Cry," with enhanced production elements like elaborate staging and lighting tailored to the venue's format. McEntire has also delivered notable one-off and benefit performances, such as her exclusive live set from Nashville's for the 2020 Save Our Stages Fest, a virtual fundraiser supporting venues amid the , where she performed career-spanning tracks in an intimate, stripped-down format. In May 2025, she joined and for a collaborative tribute to titled "Trailblazer" at the 60th , blending harmonies on the honoree's hits to celebrate female trailblazers in country music. On August 29, 2025, she reprised "Trailblazer" live at the Music City Rodeo. These special appearances underscore her enduring draw in unique live contexts outside traditional touring.

Discography

Studio albums

Reba McEntire's studio album career spans nearly five decades, marked by a transition from traditional sounds to a blend of pop-country crossovers, emotional ballads, and faith-inspired works, reflecting her evolution as one of 's most prolific artists. Her debut album, Reba McEntire, arrived in 1977 on , featuring influences and establishing her as a promising talent in the . Early releases like Out of a Dream (1979) and Feel the Fire (1980) continued this trajectory, showcasing her vocal range on tracks rooted in storytelling, though commercial breakthrough came later. The pivotal shift occurred in 1984 when McEntire signed with , releasing My Kind of Country, which emphasized her traditional roots and yielded hits like "How Blue," propelling her to stardom with its blend of fiddle-driven energy and personal narratives. This album marked the beginning of a dominant run, during which she released seven more studio efforts that solidified her as a chart-topping force. Key examples include Whoever's in (1986), lauded for its title track's emotional depth and Grammy-winning performance, and Reba (1988), which featured crossover appeal with singles like "I Know How He Feels" and peaked at No. 1 on the chart. Sweet Sixteen (1989) followed, delivering high-energy anthems and further No. 1 hits, while Rumor Has It (1990) explored themes of love and resilience with polished production. Entering the 1990s, McEntire's albums deepened in introspection, with For My Broken Heart (1991) standing out as a tribute to lost band members, its raw grief captured in the title track and earning widespread acclaim for its authenticity. Subsequent releases like It's Your Call (1992) and Read My Mind (1994) balanced heartbreak ballads with empowering messages, the latter including the hit "Why Haven't I Heard from You." Starting Over (1995) and What If It's You (1996) experimented with contemporary sounds while retaining her signature warmth, with the former covering classics to mixed but innovative results. By the late 1990s, If You See Him (1998) highlighted duets and collaborative spirit, featuring Brooks & Dunn on the title track. McEntire's output slowed in the 2000s but remained impactful, with albums like Room to Breathe (2003) incorporating pop elements and Keep On Loving You (2009) achieving her 11th No. 1 on the Top Country Albums chart. In 2015, her 27th studio album, Love Somebody, marked her Nash Icon debut and explored romantic themes with upbeat tracks. Recent works reflect a return to roots and faith, including Stronger Than the Truth (2019) on Big Machine Records, praised for its nod to 1980s-style country; the gospel collection My Chains Are Gone (2022); and Not That Fancy (2023), featuring casual, live-wire recordings that debuted at No. 1 on the Country Albums chart. These later albums underscore her enduring adaptability, with over 75 million records sold worldwide driven by her studio output.
Album TitleRelease YearLabelKey Notes
My Kind of Country1984MCABreakthrough album; hit "How Blue"
Whoever's in New England1986MCAGrammy for title track
Reba1988MCANo. 1 on country charts
Sweet Sixteen1989MCAMultiple No. 1 singles
Rumor Has It1990MCAStrong commercial performance
For My Broken Heart1991MCATribute to lost bandmates
It's Your Call1992MCAHeartfelt ballads
Read My Mind1994MCAVersatile emotional tracks
What If It's You1996MCAModern-traditional blend
If You See Him1998MCANotable duets
Love Somebody2015Nash Icon27th studio album
Stronger Than the Truth2019Big MachineReturn to traditional sound
Not That Fancy2023Big MachineNo. 1 debut on country charts

Singles and compilations

Reba McEntire's singles career spans over four decades, marked by consistent chart dominance on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. She has achieved 24 number one hits, the second-highest total for any female country artist, beginning with her first chart-topper, "Can't Even Get the Blues," in 1983 from her album Unlimited. This milestone established her as a major force in country music, with subsequent early successes like "How Blue" in 1984 from My Kind of Country and "Whoever's in New England" in 1986, which also served as the title track for one of her breakthrough albums. Her singles often blended traditional country storytelling with emotional depth, contributing to her commercial longevity. Notable mid-career hits include the duet "Does He Love You" with in 1993, which topped the chart for three weeks and earned a Grammy nomination, and "If You See Him/If You See Her" with in 1998, a crossover collaboration that highlighted her versatility. Later releases like "Consider Me Gone" in 2009 from Keep On Loving You and "Turn On the Radio" in 2010 from All the Women I Am extended her streak into the , with the latter becoming her most recent number one. Many of these singles received RIAA certifications, such as the platinum status for "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia" in 1991, underscoring their enduring popularity. McEntire's compilation albums have been instrumental in cementing her legacy, often reintroducing her hits to new audiences while achieving strong sales. Her debut greatest hits collection, Greatest Hits (1987), compiled early chart successes like "Somebody Should Leave" and "Have I Got a Deal for You," peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and earning 3x platinum certification from the RIAA for over three million units sold. This was followed by Greatest Hits Volume Two (1993), which included newer smashes such as "Is There Life Out There" and the iconic cover "Fancy," reaching No. 1 on the Country Albums chart and certified 5x platinum by the RIAA. Later compilations focused on her chart-toppers, with Reba #1's (2005) featuring 35 tracks, including all 22 of her Billboard country number ones up to that point, debuting at No. 12 on the Billboard 200 and No. 2 on the Top Country Albums chart. The expansive 50 Greatest Hits (2008), a three-disc set encompassing 50 tracks from her top singles and deep cuts, further showcased her breadth, with selections like "Why Haven't I Heard from You" and duets spanning her career. In 2025, The Hits was released as a vinyl compilation featuring her #1 singles from "Can't Even Get the Blues" to "Back to God." These releases not only recapped her singles' impact but also drove renewed interest, contributing to her overall album sales exceeding 75 million worldwide.
Key Compilation AlbumRelease YearPeak Chart Position (Billboard Top Country Albums)RIAA Certification
Greatest Hits1987No. 23x Platinum
Greatest Hits Volume Two1993No. 15x Platinum
Reba #1's2005No. 22x Platinum
2008No. 3
These compilations highlight McEntire's evolution from traditional honky-tonk to pop-infused country, with tracks often remastered or including new recordings to reflect her vocal maturity.

Filmography

Films

McEntire's entry into film acting came in 1990 with her debut role as Heather Gummer in the horror-comedy Tremors, where she portrayed a resourceful, gun-toting survivalist defending a small desert town from monstrous underground creatures alongside stars Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward. Her performance infused the character with wit and grit, reflecting her real-life rodeo experience and helping establish her as a capable screen presence beyond music. Following this breakthrough, McEntire took on supporting roles in several 1994 releases, showcasing her versatility in family-oriented comedies. In The Little Rascals, she played A.J. Ferguson, the spirited mother of one of the mischievous children in the update of the classic shorts, adding warmth and humor to the ensemble. She also appeared as Ma Tex in the satirical adventure North, directed by , where her portrayal of a tough matriarch contributed to the film's quirky exploration of family and identity. In 2001, McEntire delivered a memorable turn as Dr. Green, a sharp-tongued therapist counseling a hapless patient, in the One Night at McCool's. Her delivery and comedic timing stood out in the ensemble cast led by and , highlighting her ability to blend country charm with urban sophistication. McEntire expanded into voice work with animated family films, beginning in 2006 when she voiced Betsy the Cow, a supportive farm animal, in the live-action adaptation of . That same year, she lent her voice to Dixie, a sassy singing dog, in the The Fox and the Hound 2. Subsequent roles included Etta, a wise , in The Land Before Time XIV: Journey of the Brave (2016), and Joy Jenkins, a tech-savvy agent, in the 2019 animated spy adventure opposite . These performances emphasized her expressive and appeal to younger audiences. Her return to live-action comedy came in 2021 with the role of Trish, a flamboyant antagonist, in Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, a zany road-trip film starring Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, where McEntire's over-the-top villainy provided comic relief.
YearFilmRoleNotes
1990TremorsHeather GummerFeature film debut; horror-comedy
1994The Little RascalsA.J. FergusonFamily comedy remake
1994NorthMa TexSatirical adventure
2001One Night at McCool'sDr. GreenBlack comedy
2006Charlotte's WebBetsy the Cow (voice)Live-action/animated hybrid
2006The Fox and the Hound 2Dixie (voice)Direct-to-video animation
2016The Land Before Time XIV: Journey of the BraveEtta (voice)Animated adventure
2019Spies in DisguiseJoy Jenkins (voice)Animated spy comedy
2021Barb and Star Go to Vista Del MarTrishComedy
In addition to these, McEntire has cameo appearances in films like Maverick (1994) as a spectator. Looking ahead, she is set to star in and co-produce the adaptation of Fannie Flagg's novel The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion, marking a significant expansion in her producing role within film.

Television roles

McEntire began her television career in the early with guest appearances and leading roles in made-for-TV movies. In 1993, she portrayed a character in the film The Man from Left Field, a about a former professional football player coaching a youth team. The following year, she starred as Lily in the biographical TV movie Is There Life Out There?, based on her own about balancing motherhood and career ambitions. She also voiced a role in an episode of the that same year. In 1995, McEntire took on the historical role of sharpshooter in the miniseries , earning praise for her portrayal in the Western drama. Her breakthrough in scripted series came with the self-titled sitcom Reba, which aired on and later from 2001 to 2007, spanning six seasons and 126 episodes. In the show, McEntire played Reba Hart, a divorced mother navigating family life in suburban , a role that drew from her real-life experiences and earned her a 2004 Golden Globe nomination for in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy. The series was a ratings success, blending humor with heartfelt family dynamics, and featured recurring co-stars like and . After Reba concluded, McEntire appeared in additional TV movies such as Forever Love (1998) and Secret of Giving (1999), both Hallmark productions centered on themes of romance and holiday spirit, as well as Christmas in Tune (2021), a Lifetime holiday film where she played a supportive mother encouraging her daughter in a charity concert, and The Hammer (2023), a Lifetime in which she starred as Judge Kim Wheeler investigating a . In the 2010s, McEntire returned to series television with the ABC sitcom Malibu Country (2012–2013), where she starred as Reba MacKenzie, a country singer relocating to California after a divorce; the show ran for one season before cancellation. She made guest appearances on shows like Last Man Standing (2016) and Baby Daddy (2015), showcasing her comedic timing in supporting roles. McEntire's television presence expanded in the 2020s with a recurring role as hairdresser June Ballard on CBS's Young Sheldon from 2020 to 2023, appearing in multiple episodes as a quirky friend to the Cooper family. She then joined the cast of ABC's crime thriller Big Sky (2022–2023) as Sunny Barnes, a complex innkeeper involved in a mystery, marking her first major dramatic series role. More recently, McEntire starred in the NBC sitcom Happy's Place (2024–present), playing Bobbie, a woman who inherits her father's tavern and must co-manage it with her newly discovered half-sister, reuniting her onscreen with Peterman from Reba. The series, which premiered in October 2024 and returned for a second season in November 2025, highlights themes of family reconciliation and small-business challenges. Throughout her TV career, McEntire has balanced comedic and dramatic parts, often drawing on her country music persona to infuse authenticity into her performances.

Accolades

Music awards

Reba McEntire has received numerous accolades throughout her career, establishing her as one of the most awarded artists in country music history. She has amassed over 50 music awards from major organizations, including three from 18 nominations, 16 (ACM) Awards, seven (CMA) Awards, and 15 (AMAs). These honors recognize her vocal prowess, chart success, and enduring influence in the genre. Her Grammy achievements span decades, beginning with her first win in for Best Female Country Vocal Performance for the single "Whoever's in ," which marked a breakthrough in her crossover appeal. In 1994, she secured another Grammy for Best Country Vocal Collaboration with on "," highlighting her collaborative strengths and emotional depth in duet performances. McEntire's third Grammy came in 2018 for Best Roots Gospel Album for Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope, her first venture into , underscoring her versatility beyond mainstream country. As of November 2025, she earned her 18th Grammy nomination for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for "Trailblazer," a collaboration reflecting her ongoing relevance. With the , McEntire holds records for the most wins by a female artist in several categories, including seven Top Female Vocalist awards between 1984 and 1994, which solidified her dominance in the and early 1990s. She has also won Entertainer of the Year twice, in 1986 and 1995, and received nine nominations in that category, tying for the most ever by a woman. Additional ACM honors include Pioneer Award in 2012 and numerous special achievement recognitions, such as the 50th Anniversary Milestone Award in 2015 for her lifetime contributions. Her total of 16 ACM wins, including specials, reflects her consistent excellence in live performances and recordings. The has similarly celebrated McEntire's impact, awarding her Female Vocalist of the Year four times (1984, 1986, 1987, and 1988), more than any other artist in that category during her peak years. Her 1986 Entertainer of the Year win made her only the second woman to claim the top honor, following , and emphasized her role in elevating women's visibility in country music. Other CMA victories include Vocal Event of the Year in 1994 for "" with , contributing to her total of seven wins. These awards align with her commercial milestones, such as multiple No. 1 hits and platinum albums. McEntire's tally stands at 15, with a record 11 wins for Favorite Country Female Artist from 1988 to 2004, including nine consecutive victories that showcased her fan-driven popularity. She also won Favorite Country Album for in 1992, tying into the emotional resonance of her post-tragedy work. These fan-voted honors, established in 1973, highlight her broad appeal and sales exceeding 75 million records worldwide. Beyond these core organizations, she has earned nine for Favorite Country Artist, further affirming her status as a beloved figure in music.

Acting and other honors

McEntire's acting career began with her film debut in the 1990 horror-comedy Tremors, where she portrayed survivalist Heather Gummer alongside Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward; for this role, she received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the 17th Saturn Awards presented by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films. Her performance in the 1995 CBS miniseries Buffalo Girls, playing sharpshooter Annie Oakley opposite Anjelica Huston, marked an early foray into period drama and contributed to the production's acclaim, though specific individual acting honors for the role were not awarded. In television, McEntire starred as Reba Hart in the WB/CW sitcom Reba from 2001 to 2007, a role that showcased her comedic timing as a divorced mother navigating family life; she earned a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy at the 61st Golden Globe Awards in 2004. For the same series, she won the People's Choice Award for Favorite Female Performer in a New Television Series in 2002, reflecting audience appreciation for her lead performance. The show itself garnered additional recognition, including a People's Choice win for Favorite New TV Comedy in 2002. On stage, McEntire made her Broadway debut in the 1999 revival of Annie Get Your Gun, taking over the lead role of in 2001; her portrayal earned her a special Drama Desk Award, a Theatre World Award for outstanding Broadway debut, and an Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Actress in a Musical. These theater honors highlighted her successful transition to live performance, blending her musical background with dramatic . Beyond specific acting accolades, McEntire has received broader honors recognizing her multifaceted entertainment contributions. She was awarded a star on the on September 18, 1998, in the recording category, but it encompasses her growing television presence at the time. In 2018, she became the first artist to receive the Kennedy Center Honor, celebrating her lifetime achievements in the , including . More recently, in September 2025, the announced her as a recipient of the Paley Honors Award at its fall gala, acknowledging her sustained creative impact in television and media.

References

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