Reba McEntire is reflecting on a traumatic moment from her past.
In a recent interview with Garden & Gun, the 70-year-old musician spoke about the 1991 plane crash which resulted in the death of eight members of her band and the famous friends who helped her cope.
“It was really hard for me to get back onstage, but Vince Gill called and said, ‘Buddy, I’ll be there for you,’” she recalled. “Dolly Parton said, ‘Here, take my band.’ It was such a gift to see how many people stepped forward to help, and to reassure, because so many of us had hearts that were broken.”
Her band and crew members were flying out of San Diego after a concert when their charter jet plane crashed. The singer was not on the plane, and instead was scheduled to leave San Diego the next morning.
McEntire shared that Parton and Gill helped her after the plane crash which killed eight of her band members.(Trae Patton/NBC via Getty Images)
The crash claimed the lives of McEntire’s tour manager, Jim Hammon, keyboardist and bandleader Kirk Cappello, keyboardist Joey Cigainero, drummer Tony Saputo, guitarist Michael Thomas, guitarist Chris Austin, bassist Terry Jackson and vocalist Paula Kaye Evans as well as the two pilots Donald Holmes and Christopher Hollinger.
“I didn’t know if I was going to be able to continue,” McEntire told People magazine in October 2022 about the crash. “But it showed me how precious life is, and by the grace of God and my faith, I realized that they went on to a better place.”
Following the loss of her friends, McEntire wrote “For My Broken Heart,” which was released around eight months after the crash and honored those who died. The album featured hits such as “Is There Life Out There,” “The Lights Went Out In Georgia” and “The Greatest Man I Never Knew.”
Also in 1991, McEntire met her fiancée, Rex Linn. However, they didn’t start a romantic relationship until 2020, after the country singer appeared on his show, “Young Sheldon.”
Linn and McEntire met in 1991 but didn’t start dating until 2020.(Amy Sussman/Getty Images))
“We didn’t get to see each other from January till June 16 [due to COVID], but we created an intimacy by texting and talking over the telephone that we wouldn’t have gotten if we’d have been together all of that time,” she told E! News in April 2024. “It was very special. It was a great way to find out about each other without ever touching.”
They publicly confirmed they were engaged when a reporter for E! News referred to Linn as McEntire’s fiancé ahead of the 2025 Golden Globe Awards, and they did not correct it. A representative for McEntire later confirmed the news to Fox News Digital.
When speaking with Fox News Digital in May 2025, McEntire said the two of them “get along in every aspect.”
McEntire said she loves her cowboy lifestyle with Linn.(Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation)
“He’s a better cook than I am, so I like that, for sure,” she said. We love Longhorns, we love the cowboy way of life, cowgirl way of life, and we both got into the entertainment industry.”
“He’s an actor. I’m a singer. I love to act. Now we act together,” she added. “So it’s just the perfect union, absolutely. And we get along great. We do argue now. We argue a lot, but we have fun doing that too.”
Lori Bashian is an entertainment writer for Fox News Digital.
Whether you prefer something naughty, like the animated movie “Grandma Got Ran Over By a Reindeer” or nice, like classics “The Sound of Music” and “Home Alone,” streamers, cable and broadcast networks offer up festive choices in December.
Highlights this year include music specials with Derek Hough and Jimmy Fallon, the Rockefeller Tree lighting hosted by Reba McEntire, Lacey Chabert’s latest Hallmark Channel movie, NFL games and even cozy mysteries with a Christmas theme.
Here are some highlights.
Dec. 1
— “Dancing with the Stars” judge Derek Hough hosts the annual “The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular” on ABC. Popular recording artists including Nicole Scherzinger, Gwen Stefani, Trisha Yearwood and Mariah the Scientist put their own spin on Christmas classics. Streams next day on Hulu and Disney+.
Dec. 3
— Reba McEntire hosts NBC’s annual “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” which culminates in the lighting of the giant Christmas tree in New York’s Rockefeller Center. This year’s tree is a Norway spruce from Greenbush, New York. It has more than 50,000 colored lights and is topped with a Swarovski star that weighs 900 pounds. The special will also stream live on Peacock.
(Jake Rosenberg/Netflix via AP)
(Jake Rosenberg/Netflix via AP)
— Some people find holiday prep daunting. It comes naturally to Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, whose life seems to be a Pinterest page. She’s got ideas to share in a special episode of Netflix’s “With Love, Meghan” lifestyle series. In “With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration,” Meghan taps guests including Naomi Osaka and Tom Colicchio to bake, make treats with holiday flair and craft. “Being a hostess or a host, it’s about making people feel comfortable,” the royal says.
Dec. 5
— In the new Apple TV special, “The First Snow of Fraggle Rock,” the Fraggles are anxiously waiting for snow to kick off their festive season. Instead, a single snowflake falls, leaving Gobo, feeling uninspired to write an annual holiday song. For the first time, he ventures into the human world to seek out ideas. The special is a reminder that unplanned moments can also come with their own magic.
— Roku Channel has a follow-up to the holiday romance “Jingle Bell Love” starring Joey McIntyre of New Kids on the Block and Michelle Morgan. In “Jingle Bell Wedding,” Jack and Jessica are engaged and looking forward to a New Year’s Eve wedding. They’re also in charge of organizing an annual Christmas concert. Will all the planning derail their relationship?
Dec. 6
(Roku/OWN/Hallmark Channel via AP)
(Roku/OWN/Hallmark Channel via AP)
— Lacey Chabert works for Santa Claus in the new Hallmark Channel movie “She’s Making a List.” Chabert plays Isabel, whose job is to track kids’ behavior throughout the year. Isabel’s strict rules lighten up a bit when she’s assigned to report on an 11-year-old whose father Jason (Andrew Walker) is a widower. Chabert and Walker previously co-starred in a Valentine’s Day movie for Hallmark in 2018. “She’s Making a List” also streams on Hallmark+.
— The OWN original, “The Christmas Showdown,” reunites Amber Stevens West and Corbin Reid from the acclaimed Starz comedy “Run the World.” They play former besties competing for the same job who learn it’s better to work as a team. Loretta Devine also stars.
Dec. 7
— How about a cozy mystery this Christmas? UPtv offers the new film “A Christmas Murder Mystery.” Vera Vexley is a puzzle editor for her local newspaper who also has a side-gig as a detective. When Vera’s invited to spend the holidays with family friends, a murder launches her into investigative-mode and everyone is a suspect.
Dec. 9
— A new two-hour, faith-based special tells the story of Mary, Joseph and the birth of Jesus in “Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas” for ABC. The Oscar winner serves as host and narrator.
Dec. 10
— Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox co-star in a new holiday rom-com called “Merv” for Prime Video. The pair play exes who share joint custody of their dog Merv. When Merv is visibly depressed because his human parents are no longer together, they take him on a trip to cheer him up.
Zooey Deschanel, left, and Charlie Cox in a scene from “Merv.” (Wilson Webb/Amazon Content Services via AP)
Zooey Deschanel, left, and Charlie Cox in a scene from “Merv.” (Wilson Webb/Amazon Content Services via AP)
— The animated movie “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer” is an adaptation on the farcical song of the same name. In the special, airing on The CW Network, a boy sets out to find his missing grandmother on Christmas Eve.
Dec. 11
— The Dolly Parton song, “Coat of Many Colors” comes to life in a TV movie airing for the first time on the CW. Set against the Smoky Mountains in the 1950s, it’s about the Parton family and how their love, faith — and a patchwork coat — help them to move past tragedy. Alyvia Alyn Lind plays young Dolly and Jennifer Nettles and Rick Schroeder portray her mom and dad. “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors” originally debuted in 2015.
Alyvia Alyn Lind in a scene from “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors.” (The CW Network via AP)
Alyvia Alyn Lind in a scene from “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors.” (The CW Network via AP)
— Jimmy Fallon’s musical comedy special from last year gets a repeat. In “Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Spectacular,” the “Tonight Show” host searches a New York apartment building for the holiday spirit and encounters different celebrity guests behind each door. Jonas Brothers, Justin Timberlake, LL Cool J, the Roots and “Weird Al” Yankovic all appear.
Dec. 12
— AMC’s annual holiday programming includes a marathon of Will Ferrell’s “Elf” beginning at 6 p.m. It broadcasts back-to-back for eight-hours.
— In “A Suite Holiday Romance” for Hallmark Channel, Jessy Schram stars a ghostwriter who checks-in to a fancy New York hotel for a job writing a memoir. She meets a handsome Brit (Dominic Sherwood) and the two experience a series of misunderstandings until they realize they’re meant to be.
Dec. 14
— HGTV returns to the White House at Christmas for a one-hour special that goes behind-the-scenes of its decorating transformation at the holidays. It also streams next day on HBO Max and Discovery+.
— On the first night of Hanukkah, Hallmark Channel premieres the new movie “Oy to the World!” When the pipes burst at a local synagogue, a church opens its doors for an interfaith service. Brooke D’Orsay and Jake Epstein play choir directors who were also rivals in high school that must work together to put on a successful event for all.
Dec. 15
— Acorn TV has a two-part Christmas special of “The Madame Blanc Mysteries” airing Dec. 15 and Dec. 22. British actor Sally Lindsay plays antique dealer Jean White, who visits the France museum Maison Sainte-Victoire on Christmas Eve to authenticate an Ormolu box once owned by Marie Antoinette. It’s discovered that the box contains a ticking time bomb and Jean and her team have just 90 minutes to diffuse it.
Dec. 16
(Johan Persson/PBS via AP)
(Johan Persson/PBS via AP)
— “The Nutcracker” ballet is a Christmas classic, and PBS is offering a reimagined version taped at the London Coliseum. Still set to Tchaikovsky’s score, this version centralizes Clara’s story and is set in Edwardian London where a street scene has dancing chimney sweeps and suffragettes. “Great Performances: Nutcracker from English National Ballet” will also be available for streaming on PBS.org and the PBS app.
Dec. 20
— Lifetime is jumping on the pickleball popularity bandwagon with the new movie “A Pickleball Christmas.” It stars James Lafferty as a tennis pro whose family’s racquet club is on the brink of closing its doors. He and a tennis instructor take part in a holiday tournament to save the day.
Dec. 21
— Tate Donovan and Jillian Murphy star in a new Christmas movie for Great American Family called “Mario Lopez Presents: Chasing Christmas.” In the film, Donovan plays a morning show host and Murphy a designer who team up to make a child’s Christmas wish come true. Lopez’s son Dominic also has a role.
— The Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer classic “The Sound of Music” airs on ABC.
Dec. 24
— “Home Alone” airs on ABC. The film made Macaulay Culkin a child star for playing a boy whose parents accidentally leave him home when their large family hurries off on a Christmas vacation. He’s left to defend his house against two clumsy burglars.
Dec. 25
— Netflix is gifting us with football on Christmas again this year. The Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders game is at 1 p.m. Eastern followed by the Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings at 4:30 p.m. Eastern.
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was hoisted aloft at its new home in Manhattan on Saturday, marking the start of New York City’s holiday season.This year’s tree is a 75-foot-tall Norway spruce from the upstate town of East Greenbush, a suburb of Albany. After being cut down this week, it made the roughly 150-mile journey south on a flatbed truck, drawing curious onlookers along the way.The crowds were much bigger at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, where workers used cranes to hoist the 11-ton tree into position overlooking the iconic skating rink. People gathered with coffee cups and phones as crews secured the spruce and began the careful process of stabilizing it.The tree will soon be decorated with more than 50,000 multicolored, energy-efficient LED lights and crowned with a Swarovski star weighing 900 pounds.It will be lit Dec. 3 during a live TV broadcast hosted by country music star Reba McEntire and remain on display until mid-January, after which it will be milled into lumber for use by the affordable housing nonprofit Habitat for Humanity.The tree was donated by homeowner Judy Russ and her family. She said it was planted by her husband’s great-grandparents in the 1920s.”For this to now become the center of New York City Christmas is incredible,” Russ told the radio station 1010 WINS.The first Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was put up by workers in 1931 to raise spirits during the Great Depression. The comparatively modest 20-foot balsam fir was outfitted with garlands handmade by the workers’ families.The tradition stuck as the first tree-lighting ceremony was held in 1933.
NEW YORK —
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was hoisted aloft at its new home in Manhattan on Saturday, marking the start of New York City’s holiday season.
This year’s tree is a 75-foot-tall Norway spruce from the upstate town of East Greenbush, a suburb of Albany. After being cut down this week, it made the roughly 150-mile journey south on a flatbed truck, drawing curious onlookers along the way.
The crowds were much bigger at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, where workers used cranes to hoist the 11-ton tree into position overlooking the iconic skating rink. People gathered with coffee cups and phones as crews secured the spruce and began the careful process of stabilizing it.
The tree will soon be decorated with more than 50,000 multicolored, energy-efficient LED lights and crowned with a Swarovski star weighing 900 pounds.
It will be lit Dec. 3 during a live TV broadcast hosted by country music star Reba McEntire and remain on display until mid-January, after which it will be milled into lumber for use by the affordable housing nonprofit Habitat for Humanity.
The tree was donated by homeowner Judy Russ and her family. She said it was planted by her husband’s great-grandparents in the 1920s.
“For this to now become the center of New York City Christmas is incredible,” Russ told the radio station 1010 WINS.
The first Rockefeller Center Christmas tree was put up by workers in 1931 to raise spirits during the Great Depression. The comparatively modest 20-foot balsam fir was outfitted with garlands handmade by the workers’ families.
The tradition stuck as the first tree-lighting ceremony was held in 1933.
Reba McEntire is firing back at the use of AI-generated images.
The “Fancy” singer posted a message on her Instagram stories Thursday to slam the use of AI-generated images in support of fellow country music star Dolly Parton.
“You tell ’em, Dolly,” McEntire wrote. “That AI mess has got us doing all kinds of crazy things. You’re out there dying, I’m out here having a baby. Well, both of us know you’re too young, and I’m too old for any of that kind of nonsense.”
McEntire was referring to AI-generated images that showed the star, 70, and fiancé Rex Linn posing with an ultrasound photo as Linn cradles McEntire’s pregnant stomach.
Reba McEntire is supporting friend Dolly Parton amid the AI-generated photo craze.(Getty Images)
Another fake photo making the rounds online recently featured Parton lying in a hospital bed attached to a tube as McEntire sits at her bedside praying and wiping away tears from her eyes.
Reps for McEntire did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
“You’re out there dying, I’m out here having a baby. Well, both of us know you’re too young, and I’m too old for any of that kind of nonsense.”
— Reba McEntire
The image of Parton on her “deathbed” began circulating after Parton announced last month that due to certain “health challenges,” her scheduled six-night residency in Las Vegas would be postponed from December 2025 to September 2026.
In response to the images, Parton posted a video on Instagram telling her followers, “If I was really dying, I don’t think Reba would be the one at my death bed,” adding she hopes McEntire “might come visit me earlier.”
Parton’s sister asked fans to pray for her amid concerns about her health.(Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
The singer’s sister, Frieda, further raised concerns about Parton’s health when she asked fans to join her in prayer for the songstress.
“Many of you know she hasn’t been feeling her best lately,” Frieda wrote on Facebook. “I truly believe in the power of prayer, and I have been lead to ask all of the world that loves her to be prayer warriors and pray with me.”
Parton took to Instagram earlier this week to dispel rumors she was dying, telling her fans, “I’m not ready to die yet.”
“I didn’t take care of myself, so I let a lot of things go that I should have been taking care of,” Parton explained. “When I got around to it, the doctor said we need to take care of this, we need to take care of that. Nothing major, but I did have to cancel some things so I could be closer to home, closer to Vanderbilt where I’m kind of having some treatments here and there.”
McEntire said she is praying for Parton.(Taylor Hill/Getty Images)
McEntire also touched on the health concerns Parton alluded to in her recent Instagram story, letting her friend know, “You better know I’m praying for you. I love you with all my heart, and I can’t wait to see you soon. Love you!”
Reba McEntire is a renowned country music singer and actress, known for her significant contributions to the genre and her acting career.
She has sold over 75 million records worldwide and has a long list of number one hits.
McEntire’s career began with a family band and was discovered by a country performer, leading to a successful recording contract.
She has received numerous awards and recognitions, including multiple Grammy Awards and memberships in prestigious music halls of fame.
Reba McEntire is an American country music singer and actress known as “the Queen of Country.” She has sold over 75 million records worldwide and has had a successful career spanning several decades.
McEntire began her journey in the 1970s, recording a demo tape in Nashville that led to her signing with PolyGram/Mercury Records. Over the years, she released numerous albums and singles, achieving significant success with hits like “Can’t Even Get the Blues” and “Whoever’s in New England.”
Reba Mcentire
Reba Mcentire Boyfriend: Is She Dating? Relationship Timeline
Reba McEntire has been in a relationship with actor Rex Linn since January 2020. Their connection dates back to 1991 when they first crossed paths while shooting “The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw.” However, it wasn’t until January 2020 that their relationship took a romantic turn. McEntire described their rekindled relationship as akin to “good friends getting back together having dinner,” highlighting the natural progression of their relationship over time.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, McEntire and Linn deepened their bond through texting and phone calls, finding common ground and shared interests. This period of isolation allowed them to get to know each other better, fostering a strong connection that eventually blossomed into a romantic relationship.
McEntire’s previous marriages, to Charlie Battles from 1976 to 1987 and music manager Narvel Blackstock from 1989 to 2015, have shaped her life and career. She shares a son, Shelby, with Blackstock. Despite these past relationships, McEntire has found happiness and stability in her current relationship with Linn, describing him as “the love of my life”.
Reba Mcentire
The couple made their relationship public in the fall of 2020, marking the beginning of their public displays of affection. McEntire has spoken openly about her relationship with Linn, praising his intelligence, humor, and interest in her music. She has also expressed her appreciation for his career, indicating a mutual respect and admiration that has contributed to their relationship’s success.
As of October 2022, McEntire has continued to express her love for Linn, highlighting their compatibility and professionalism. Their shared experiences in the entertainment industry, particularly in acting, have allowed them to support each other’s careers, further strengthening their bond. McEntire has also mentioned the stability of their relationship, looking forward to more shared experiences and milestones.
Reba Mcentire Net Worth Revealed
Reba McEntire has amassed a significant net worth of $95 million as of the latest updates. This impressive financial stature is a testament to her extensive career spanning over four decades, during which she has sold more than 90 million records globally, making her one of the most successful female country artists in history.
McEntire’s journey to stardom began in her early childhood, growing up in a rodeo family that nurtured her passion for music. This early exposure to the world of country music laid the foundation for her future career. Her talent was discovered at a young age, and her career took a significant leap forward in 1975 when she was signed by Mercury Records after her performance of the National Anthem at a rodeo event. This event caught the attention of a music executive, marking the beginning of her professional music career.
Throughout her career, McEntire has showcased her versatility as an artist, evolving from traditional country music to incorporating more pop-oriented sounds. This evolution has not only broadened her appeal but also led to widespread commercial success, with her music resonating with a wide audience.
Reba Mcentire: Explore Her Boyfriend, Net Worth, And Children
She has released 16 #1 albums, surpassing any other female country artist in this achievement. Her accolades include multiple Grammy Awards, Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, and Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, further cementing her status as a legend in the music industry.
Beyond her musical achievements, McEntire has made significant contributions to other entertainment fields, including television, film, and Broadway. She starred in her own TV series “Reba” from 2001 to 2007, which was a critical and commercial success. Her acting career has also included notable roles in movies such as “Tremors,” where she starred opposite Kevin Bacon. Additionally, McEntire has ventured into business, owning several enterprises, including a clothing line, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit.
Reba Mcentire Children: Who Are They?
Reba McEntire has a rich family life that includes a son and stepchildren. Reba McEntire and her ex-husband Narvel Blackstock welcomed their son, Shelby Steven McEntire Blackstock, in 1990, one year after their wedding in 1989. The couple was married for 26 years before divorcing in 2015.
Shelby Blackstock has been a significant part of Reba McEntire’s life since his birth. She has expressed her pride in him, noting his efforts to improve and do better. Reba McEntire has spoken about how Shelby’s presence in her life has changed her perspective, moving her from being self-centered to someone who is focused on protecting, nurturing, and teaching her son.
She has also mentioned the support she received from nannies and her own efforts to ensure Shelby was well-cared for during her busy career, including taking him on the road with her and making time for him when she could.
Reba Mcentire: Explore Her Boyfriend, Net Worth, And Children
In addition to Shelby, Reba McEntire has five stepchildren from her two marriages. These stepchildren include Coty, Lance, Shawna, Brandon, and Chassidy. Each of these children has lived impressive lives both personally and professionally, reflecting the influence of Reba McEntire’s career and personal value.
Reba McEntire’s relationship with her children, especially Shelby, has been a source of joy and fulfillment for her. She has spoken about her happiness and the importance of her family’s health and well-being to her overall contentment. Her dedication to her children and her role as a mother is evident in her actions and public statements.
Reba Mcentire-FAQ
Q1. Is Reba McEntire married?
Reba McEntire was married to Narvel Blackstock from June 3, 1989, to October 28, 2015, and to Charlie Battles from June 21, 1976, to June 25, 1987.
Q2. Does Reba McEntire have children?
Yes, Reba McEntire has two children, including Brandon Blackstock and Shelby Blackstoc.
Q3. How many siblings does Reba McEntire have?
Reba McEntire has three siblings, including Pake McEntire, Susie McEntire, and Alice Fora.
Q4. Who are Reba McEntire’s parents?
Reba McEntire’s parents are Clark McEntire and Jacqueline McEntir.
It was revealed on Thursday morning that the country music star Reba McEntire will be performing the national anthem at the Super Bowl next month.
McEntire To Perform At Super Bowl
It’s been announced that during the Super Bowl, McEntire will perform “The Star Spangled Banner,” the rapper Post Malone will perform “America the Beautiful” and the singer Andra Day will sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” which is known as the black national anthem. McEntire told CBS News that she was told of this incredible opportunity by her manager.
“He said that they wanted me to sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl, and I said ‘Oh my gosh. Well, let me think about that,’” said McEntire, 68. “And Rex Linn, my boyfriend, who is a huge football fan, he said, ‘Yes, she’ll do it. Absolutely.’ So that’s where we’re at.”
While this will be the first time that McEntire performs at the Super Bowl, she’s been singing the national anthem for decades, doing so publicly for the first time back in 1974 at the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City.
“I’m honored to be a part of something as big and historic as the Super Bowl coming to Las Vegas for the first time,” she said in a separate statement, according to Taste Of Country. “2024 marks 50 years since I was discovered singing the national anthem at the National Finals Rodeo, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate that anniversary.”
That’s why she feels confident that she’ll be ready to take the stage for the Super Bowl LVIII at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on February 11.
“You just warm up like you do a concert and sing it about five or six times, and get in there, and do it,” McEntire concluded.
Watch McEntire’s full comments on this in the video below.
This comes one month after McEntire spoke out to gush over where she is currently at in her life.
“I’m at a really good place in my life,” McEntire told People Magazine. “I’m happy, I’m in love. My kids are all healthy. My family’s healthy. So I’m happy.”
McEntire went on to reveal her New Year’s resolutions, explaining that she has both professional and personal ones as we head into 2024.
“Professional would be to continue doing what I love to do. Say no to the things that won’t be fun. Say yes to the things that will be,” she said. “Personal is to have fun — just continue being happy and healthy. That’s what I pray for daily.”
Linn, who McEntire has been dating for four years, has played a major role in her happiness as of late.
“It’s good to have a person to talk to, laugh with, get into subjects about what’s going on,” McEntire previously said of him, according to Yahoo News. “Discussions about our past, our family, funny stories, him being an actor, me being an actress.”
“And he’s very into my music. I’m very into his career,” she added. “It’s just great getting to talk to somebody who I find very interesting, very funny, very smart and is interested in me, too.”
In a world where so many celebrities are divisive politically, McEntire is one of the few stars who really does appeal to everyone. We can’t wait to see how she performs our country’s great national anthem at the Super Bowl next month!
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This year’s Super Bowl will feature the top players in the NFL — and some incredible pregame performers, revealed first on “CBS Mornings” on Thursday.
Country music icon and Grammy winner Reba McEntire will sing the national anthem, rapper Post Malone will perform “America the Beautiful” and singer Andra Day will take the stage for “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” This comes ahead of an already-announced halftime show by R&B star Usher.
McEntire sat down with the hosts of “CBS Mornings” to talk about how she’s feeling about her performance. She said she was told about the opportunity by her manager.
“He said that they wanted me to sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl, and I said ‘Oh my gosh. Well, let me think about that,’” McEntire said. “And Rex Linn, my boyfriend, who is a huge football fan, he said, ‘Yes, she’ll do it. Absolutely.’ So that’s where we’re at.”
This will mark McEntire’s first performance at the Super Bowl. McEntire has been singing the national anthem for decades, starting in 1974 when she performed the number at the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City, so she said she feels comfortable getting ready for the Super Bowl stage.
“You just warm up like you do a concert and sing it about five or six times, and get in there, and do it,” McEntire said.
Super Bowl LVIII will air on CBS on Feb. 11 from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Kerry Breen is a reporter and news editor at CBSNews.com. A graduate of New York University’s Arthur L. Carter School of Journalism, she previously worked at NBC News’ TODAY Digital. She covers current events, breaking news and issues including substance use.
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The “American Idol” alum first filed for divorce in 2020 after seven years of marriage.
“I never wanted to get married the first time,” she told People in an interview published this week. “[Brandon] had children, a religious background, and it was important, I think, for him. But I’ve never been that person. Because I’ve been through a couple divorces in my family, I just don’t like to put any weight on it.”
“It can happen; it doesn’t have to happen,” she said, when asked if she’d consider getting married again. “For my kids, I definitely would never even think about it until they’re out of my house.”
The exes share two young children — daughter River Rose, 9, and son Remington Alexander, 7.
On a 2020 episode of her eponymous daytime talk show, Clarkson said she “definitely didn’t see anything coming that came,” in her regards to the end of her marriage.
“Divorce is never easy, and we’re both from divorced families, so, you know, we know the best thing here is to protect our children and their little hearts,” the “Stronger” singer said at the time.
In March 2022, Clarkson was ordered to pay her ex a one-time payment of just over $1.32 million, monthly installments of $115,000 in spousal support until Jan. 31, 2024, and $45,601 monthly in child support for their kids.
But in November 2023, the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement ruled that Blackstock had to return more than $2.6 million to Clarkson for fees he took out from her projects when he was her manager.
As far as her future love life is concerned, Clarkson isn’t ruling out romance again — but it will be on her terms.
“I told a friend [that a potential partner] would have to be an individual that brings their own life to the table without needing anything from me,” she shared.
Reba McEntire could not help but break down in tears during the first live show of season 24 of “The Voice” on Monday night when a contestant performed one of her own songs.
Entertainment Tonight reported that Ruby Leigh, 16, to perform her coach McEntire’s 1990 single “You Lie.” During rehearsals, McEntire went so far as to say that Leigh performed the song better than she ever did.
Leigh knocked it out of the park with her live performance, bringing both McEntire and coach Gwen Stefani to tears.
“You blew it out of the water,” McEntire said as she wiped away tears. “Gwen and I are bawling!”
“There hasn’t been a time that you performed on this show that I haven’t gotten goosebumps,” coach Niall Horan said in agreement. “You are insane!”
Check out the performance for yourself in the video below.
McEntire And Other Coaches Sound Off
On the red carpet of the live show, McEntire talked about how exciting this season of “The Voice” is, saying, “I really couldn’t tell you [who might win].”
Her fellow coach John Legend agreed with her.
“The depth of the talent this season is better than I’ve ever seen it on this show since I’ve been here,” he said. “This is my eighth season and I’ve never seen just this level of quality across the board. I’m so impressed with our artists this year.”
“I have some amazing singers, and I think it’s just gonna come down to at this point people start to fall in love with not just the voice, but the person as well,” Gwen Stefani added. “It’s ridiculous this season. I know we say that every season and it always feels like that, but this one has a particularly tall order.”
I hope Reba McEntire see this Reba that was absolutely beautiful tribute to your Momma you look so much like your Momma. Every time I hear this song I think of my best friend Connie I miss her so much 💔. Thank you for your beautiful song sharing your story in song !! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/FwZU8RkVJX
This is McEntire’s first season serving as a main coach on “The Voice,” as she took the place of Blake Shelton after he left at the end of the 23rd season of the show earlier this year.
“It’s a lot of pressure, because nobody can replace Blake Shelton. He’s a huge personality and a wonderful person. So I’m just getting in there trying to have fun and represent country music as best I can,” McEntire told Newsweekback in September.
“It’s a well-oiled machine, so getting in at this time is marvelous,” she continued. “Everybody knows the game plan, from the crew, the producers. Everybody on the show is so nice, so sweet, and have been so helpful. I’m loving it.”
Stefani, who is married to Shelton, praised McEntire before the live show for how well she’s doing on the program.
“I think it is hard the first time you come here, ’cause its like, there’s just so much,” she said, according to WUSA9. “It’s also so amazing here — you get so inspired. I’m happy for her because I know that for someone that’s done everything in her life a million times over, to be able to kind of mentor people and to be able to watch the growth, it’s so inspiring.”
“Honestly she is so kind and so humble — I almost want to be like, ‘You’re Reba, like, stop!’” she continued with a laugh. “I think she’s just having such a blast and she’s gotten so good at the show really quick.”
McEntire chimed in to say that she’s learned some tricks since taking the coaching seat.
“The main thing that I have learned is to take it one minute at a time,” she said. “It is a lot to take in for the first time being a coach.”
Are you rooting for McEntire and her team on “The Voice?” Let us know in the comments section.
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On Friday, the country music and entertainment icon will release a new album to partner with her new book, Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots.
The book, which arrives Tuesday, is a collection of recipes, memoir, photos, and lifestyle tips. The Not That Fancy album is a collection of acoustic covers of McEntire’s biggest hits, with a few surprises thrown in, like Dolly Parton, who takes the place of Linda Davis on “Does He Love You”.
The book, McEntire explained over the phone, is “about things not having to be so fancy or structured. Whether it’s a dinner party or going out to eat, having friends over. If you don’t have your brand-new couch in, you’ve got to cover your old couch, that’s fine. People don’t care. They just want to get together and have fun.”
Re-recording some of her most recognizable songs in an intimate fashion just felt like the perfect partner for a book that already crosses mediums. “It’s not just a cookbook. It’s not just a photo album. It’s not a storybook. It’s an eclectic group of everything,” she explains.
“And I had to proofread it, so I went through it several times and never got bored with it. And I have the attention span of a 3-year-old, so for me not to get bored with it is a huge compliment to the book.”
McEntire spoke to The Associated Press about her new album, book, and dressing “tough sexy.”
This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
AP: The book came first, then the album. Where did the idea for acoustic covers originate?
McENTIRE: We had done (the compilation album) Remixed, Revised and Revisited, and so we pulled some of those songs. Working with (producer) Dave Cobb, that was an album that was stripped down, that we wanted to pull from. And we added some more songs to it, brand new songs, which is our new single called “Seven Minutes in Heaven”. And it just worked out really good to be “not that fancy.”
AP: Dolly Parton takes the place of Linda Davis on this version of “Does He Love You”. How did the collaboration come to be?
McENTIRE: Well, we were picking out the songs for the album, “Does He Love You” came up and we were all like, “Well, if we did it again, who we like to have sing with you?” We all started pitching names and put them in the hat. When somebody said “Dolly,” everybody just said, “Oh, absolutely, we got to ask Dolly.” And she said, yes.
AP: So, it didn’t take much convincing?
McENTIRE: I hope not, anyway!
AP: Brooks & Dunn joined you again for “If You See Him/If You See Her”.
McENTIRE: We all got in the studio together. Of course, Dolly and I didn’t get to record together because of the pandemic, but Ronnie (Dunn) and Kix (Brooks) came in and we love to perform and sing together. We’re good friends. So, it was a great day hanging out at the studio.
They are terribly notorious for being pranksters. When we first started our tour in the early ‘90s, that was my first rule: No pranks. We do not like pranks. And so when Kix and myself, when we were singing “Cotton Fields”, he kind of kept spitting on me. We got off the stage, of course, and we walked back to the dressing room. I said, “Would you please quit spitting in my face?” And that’s when he gave me a big yellow rain slicker the next night.
AP: Ha! Did re-recording these songs transform them, in some way?
McENTIRE: You get used to hearing something a certain way, and then when it is stripped down to just a few instruments, you got to get comfortable with it again. You kind of have to relearn it. And some of the songs we slowed down, changed the tempo, and it just made it a totally different song. So, I thought it was a great idea and a great way to give the fans something different.
AP: In the book, you describe your style as “tough sexy.” What is “tough sexy?”
McENTIRE: I’m a tomboy at heart. I grew up on a working cattle ranch. I worked outside with my older sister Alice and my older brother Pake and little sister Susie. We had to do the chores with the men and then come in and us girls had to take care of things with Momma. So, I always considered myself a tomboy, but I still like to dress up and be sparkly with rhinestones and glitter and fringe and all that kind of stuff. So “tough sexy,” to me, when they say, “How do you like to dress?” “I like tough sexy.” “Well, what’s that?” “In my cowboy clothes with a sexy side of it.” That’s my interior design, also.
AP: Not That Fancy offers simple living advice. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given, maybe something you’ve shared on “The Voice”?
McENTIRE: I pass on the best advice I’d ever gotten from a good friend of mine who’s not with us any longer, a billionaire. He said, “Overall, have fun.”
And also, don’t sweat the small stuff. Don’t worry that you don’t have eight glasses that match. Use Solo cups or paper plates, whatever you want to use, but have your friends over. Do not postpone a get together because you don’t have the perfect set up in your house, or maybe the house cleaner didn’t come, or maybe you didn’t feel like cleaning your house. Don’t worry about it. They just want to see you.
Reba McEntire is joining “The Voice” for the series’ 24th season, and the country music superstar is making a dramatic entrance in a new promo.
In the video, coach Niall Horan is seen cutting a large cake with the show’s logo in icing, when returning coaches John Legend and Gwen Sefani arrive, with Legend congratulating Horan on winning his first season.
“It’s good to be king,” Horan declares, prompting a warning from Stefani. “Don’t get used to it, buddy, it’s a whole new ball game,” she tells him.
“And I know that we all miss the cowboy, especially you,” Legend tells Stefani, referencing her husband Blake Shelton, who exited the show after Season 23. “But now that he’s gone, we might have a shot at the best country singer.”
“Nothing could ruin this,” muses Horan with a dream-like expression on his face, with his reverie interrupted by music blaring from speakers as the walls open up to reveal McEntire onstage, with pyrotechnics erupting as she stands in in front of a giant glittering sign reading “TEAM REBA.”
“Well hey there,” she says, “it’s just so good to be here!”
Photo by: NBCUniversal
As the other coaches look worried, host Carson Daly appears, eating a piece of that cake. “This is gonna be good,” he says.
Country music legend Reba McEntire is stepping in as a coach for season 24 of “The Voice.”
The announcement Monday comes more than six months after coach Blake Shelton said he’d be leaving the show. Shelton, the longest-tenured coach on “The Voice,” frequently worked with country singers on the show.
McEntire is a Country Music Hall of Fame inductee. While season 24 will be her first as a coach, she served as a “Mega Mentor” during season 23 and as Shelton’s battle advisor back in season 1.
“There’s a new Coach in town! See you all this Fall,” McEntire tweeted.
ET’s Cassie DiLaura recently sat down with McEntire at her new three-floor restaurant, Reba’s Place, in Atoka, Oklahoma, and discussed how the icon turned down an offer to be a judge on “The Voice” before it ever debuted back in 2011.
After McEntire turned down the offer as the show was being shopped around, the producers turned to Shelton — who was then with the show for over 12 years. Now, with his exit, there is a question of whether or not she’d reconsider.
“Who could fill Blake’s shoes?” McEntire said with a smile.
Looking back on when she was first offered the gig, the singer explained, “I got [a look at] the Holland version of ‘The Voice’. They sent it to me and I said, ‘I can’t see me doing that.’”
“Because, you know, I’m a gypsy at heart,” McEntire added, explaining that she doesn’t feel she could be tied down to just one project and just one place for too long. Also, it’s gonna be a tough job for whoever takes it on.
“To fill Blake’s chair? Wow. That’s gonna be tough,” McEntire said. “He did a great job and kudos to him.”
McEntire is fairly busy as it is, what with her music career in full swing and the recent opening of Reba’s Place — which was created inside a retrofitted building. The same building where McEntire actually had to be rescued by firefighters in 2021, when on a site visit looking for locations for her eatery, before it had been entirely overhauled.
Reba’s Place has food, as well as a bar, an entertainment venue and, on the third floor, an area called Jack’s Library — named after her late mother, which features many of her mom’s books from her personal collection.
“Mama would be here everyday eating,” McEntire said, getting emotional while reflecting on what her mom would think of the place. “Whether it was lunch or dinner, she would love it.”
“She would be the mascot, the greeter, she would absolutely love it,” she added. “Daddy would have gotten the biggest kick out of this.”
Even though it ended its run more than a decade ago, Reba McEntire’s sitcom “Reba” remains beloved by fans.
In a recent interview with E! News to promote her new Lifetime movie “Reba McEntire’s The Hammer”, the country music icon was asked whether she and Melissa Peterman — who appears in “The Hammer” and was also her co-star in “Reba” — discussed the possibility of a reboot.
“We talked about that a lot,” McEntire said. “I don’t think that’s ever going to come to fruition, but maybe one of these days.”
During the run of “Reba” from 2001 until 2007, McEntire and Peterman forged a close friendship that continued long after the show ended.
“She’s easy to break character and get me to laugh. She’s always trying to break me and she does it a lot,” McEntire said of Peterman.
“We love to act together, we love to hang out together,” she added. “We rented a house and all of us we’re in the house together — my bunch and Melissa — and it was just the best. I had the most wonderful experience getting to shoot this movie.”
The 56th annual CMA Awards kicked off in style with three of country music’s top female stars paying tribute to the legendary Loretta Lynn, who passed away last month at age 90.
To open the show, the power trio of Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire and Miranda Lambert performed a medley of Lynn’s iconic country hits.
The performance began with Underwood performing Lynn’s classic “You Ain’t Woman Enough (to Take My Man),” before she was joined onstage by Lambert and then McEntire, segueing into Lynn’s “You’re Lookin’ at Country”.
Reba McEntire is taking some time to take care of her voice as she continues to tour throughout the US this fall.
The country star, 67, announced on her official Instagram on Wednesday that she made “the difficult decision” to reschedule three concerts slated for this weekend, after her doctor advised her “to go on vocal rest.”
The shows will now take place in December, with previously purchased tickets being honored for the new dates. McEntire will perform the rescheduled concerts in Columbus, Ohio; Raleigh, North Carolina and Indianapolis on December 2, December 3 and December 16, respectively.
“Thank you for understanding!” McEntire wrote in her IG post.
As of now, the singer and actress is still slated to perform at the Country Music Awards next week, scheduled for Wednesday, November 9. CNN has reached out to CMA to confirm.
On the acting front, McEntire is currently appearing of the third season of David E. Kelley’s mystery series “Big Sky” on ABC.
She highlighted this week’s episode on her Instagram, mentioning special guest stars Darius Rucker and Lyle Lovett, who, like her, are both country crooners and actors.
