History of Reba McEntire in Timeline
Reba McEntire, known as "The Queen of Country", is a highly successful American country singer and actress. With over 75 million records sold worldwide, she has dominated the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart since the 1970s, achieving 25 number-one singles. Beyond music, McEntire has starred in film and television, most notably in her sitcom 'Reba', which ran for six seasons. She is also an entrepreneur with ventures in the restaurant and fashion industries.
1926: Jacqueline McEntire's Birth Year
Jacqueline McEntire, Reba's mother, was born in 1926.
1927: Clark McEntire's Birth Year
Clark McEntire, Reba's father, was born in 1927.
1934: John Wesley McEntire's Steer Roping Championship
In 1934, John Wesley McEntire, Reba's grandfather, was a world-champion steer roper.
March 28, 1955: Reba McEntire's Birth
On March 28, 1955, Reba Nell McEntire was born. She is an American country singer and actress known as "The Queen of Country."
1955: Reba McEntire's Birth Year
In 1955, Reba McEntire was born in McAlester, Oklahoma, and raised on a ranch in Chockie, Oklahoma.
1957: Clark McEntire's Steer Roping Championship
In 1957, Clark McEntire, Reba's father, won the world-champion steer roper title.
1958: Clark McEntire's Steer Roping Championship
In 1958, Clark McEntire, Reba's father, won the world-champion steer roper title for the second time.
1961: Clark McEntire's Steer Roping Championship
In 1961, Clark McEntire, Reba's father, won the world-champion steer roper title for the third time.
1969: Original Release of Fancy
In 1969, Bobbie Gentry originally released the song "Fancy". Reba McEntire later covered the song, and it became one of her signature songs.
1971: Release of "The Ballad of John McEntire" by the Singing McEntires
In 1971, the Singing McEntires, which consisted of Reba and her siblings, released a single about their famous grandfather called "The Ballad of John McEntire" on a local label.
1973: Graduation from Kiowa High School
In 1973, Reba McEntire graduated from Kiowa High School.
March 1975: Trip to Nashville to Record Demonstration Tape
In March 1975, Reba McEntire, accompanied by her mother, traveled to Nashville, Tennessee, to record a demonstration tape, influenced by her mother's encouragement to pursue her dreams.
November 1975: Signing with PolyGram/Mercury Records
In November 1975, Reba McEntire signed a country music recording contract with PolyGram/Mercury Records.
1975: Recording Contract with PolyGram/Mercury Records
In 1975, Red Steagall helped Reba McEntire secure a country music recording contract with PolyGram/Mercury Records after hearing her sing at a rodeo event.
1975: Red Steagall Offers Reba a Recording Contract
In early 1975, Red Steagall contacted Jacqueline McEntire and offered to help Reba get a recording contract.
January 1976: First Recordings for PolyGram/Mercury Records
In January 1976, Reba McEntire made her first recordings for PolyGram/Mercury Records, produced by Glenn Keener.
September 17, 1977: Grand Ole Opry Debut
On September 17, 1977, Reba McEntire made her Grand Ole Opry debut, performing "Invitation to the Blues" after a surprise appearance by Dolly Parton cut her act short.
1977: Release of Debut Album
In 1977, Mercury issued Reba McEntire's self-titled debut album, which was compared to the country crossover style of Barbara Mandrell and Tammy Wynette.
1978: Collaboration with Jacky Ward
In 1978, Reba McEntire collaborated with country artist Jacky Ward on two singles, with their double-sided release becoming her first top-20 hit on the country chart.
1979: Release of 'Out of a Dream' Album
In 1979, Jerry Kennedy produced Reba McEntire's second studio album titled Out of a Dream. The album's cover of Patsy Cline's "Sweet Dreams" became her first top-20 hit as a solo artist.
1980: Formation of Her Own Band and 'Silver Eagle' Bus
By 1980, Reba McEntire had formed her own band, including her siblings Susie and Pake McEntire. The band toured in a three-car caravan, later upgrading to a bus nicknamed Silver Eagle. Also in 1980, the song "(You Lift Me) Up to Heaven" became her first top-10 hit on the country songs chart.
1981: Release of 'Heart to Heart' Album
In 1981, Reba McEntire's fourth album, Heart to Heart, was released and charted on the Billboard Country Albums list. Its lead single, "Today All Over Again", became her highest-charting country single yet, reaching number five.
1983: "Can't Even Get the Blues" Reaches Number One
In 1983, Reba McEntire's single "Can't Even Get the Blues" reached the number-one spot on the Billboard country chart. It was followed by her second number-one song "You're the First Time I Thought About Leaving".
1984: Signing with MCA Records and Release of "Just a Little Love" and "My Kind of Country"
In 1984, Reba McEntire signed with MCA Records and released her seventh studio album Just a Little Love. She later released "My Kind of Country". This became her breakthrough recording, leading McEntire to win 1984's Female Vocalist of the Year accolade from the Country Music Association.
1984: Signing with MCA Records and Release of "My Kind of Country"
In 1984, Reba McEntire signed with MCA Records and released the album "My Kind of Country". It became a breakout release, spawning two number-one Billboard country singles and pointing toward a more traditional musical style.
1985: Have I Got a Deal for You album release and World Series performance
In 1985, Reba McEntire released the album 'Have I Got a Deal for You', following a traditional country format. The title track and "Only in My Mind" reached the Billboard country top 10. On October 19, 1985, McEntire performed the National Anthem at game one of the 1985 World Series.
January 17, 1986: Induction into the Grand Ole Opry
On January 17, 1986, Reba McEntire was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.
February 1986: Whoever's in New England album release
In February 1986, Reba McEntire released her ninth studio album, 'Whoever's in New England'. The album blended traditional country with a contemporary sound. The title track reached number one on the Billboard country chart and won McEntire a Grammy Award.
1986: What Am I Gonna Do About You album release and stage show changes
In 1986, Reba McEntire released her twelfth studio album titled 'What Am I Gonna Do About You'. McEntire also began implementing choreography and experimented with stage lighting.
1987: The Last One to Know album and Merry Christmas to You album release and Carnegie Hall performance
In 1987, Reba McEntire released her 13th studio album, 'The Last One to Know', and her first Christmas collection, 'Merry Christmas to You'. Also in 1987, she performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City for the first time.
1987: Grammy Award win
In 1987, Reba McEntire won her first Grammy Award.
1988: Reba album release and career changes
In 1988, Reba McEntire released her pop-inspired album 'Reba', which included covers of "Respect" and "A Sunday Kind of Love". Also in the late 1980s, McEntire took more control of her career and formed her own entertainment company.
1989: Marriage to Narvel Blackstock
In 1989, Reba McEntire married her manager and former steel guitar player Narvel Blackstock in a private ceremony on a boat at Lake Tahoe.
1989: Sweet Sixteen album and Reba Live album releases
In 1989, Reba McEntire released 'Sweet Sixteen', which was a return to neo-traditionalist country, and her first live project, 'Reba Live'.
January 1990: Film Debut in Tremors
In January 1990, Reba McEntire made her film debut in Tremors, beginning her acting career.
February 1990: Birth of son Shelby Steven McEntire Blackstock
In February 1990, Reba McEntire gave birth to a son, Shelby Steven McEntire Blackstock, with her then-husband Narvel Blackstock.
1990: Rumor Has It album release
In 1990, Reba McEntire released 'Rumor Has It', a pop-oriented album. It featured the hit singles "You Lie" and "Fancy".
March 16, 1991: Plane crash tragedy
In the early hours of March 16, 1991, a plane carrying members of Reba McEntire's band crashed into Otay Mountain in San Diego, killing everyone on board. McEntire and her husband were scheduled to take a different plane the next day.
October 1991: For My Broken Heart album release
In October 1991, Reba McEntire released 'For My Broken Heart', dedicating it to the deceased members of her road band. The album contained songs of sorrow and lost love.
1991: Meeting Rex Linn on set of The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw
In 1991, Reba McEntire first met Rex Linn on the set of "The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw".
1991: Loss of Band Members and Release of "For My Broken Heart"
In 1991, Reba McEntire lost eight of her band members in a plane crash. This tragic event led to her critically acclaimed album "For My Broken Heart", her highest-selling album to date.
December 1992: It's Your Call album release
In December 1992, Reba McEntire released her 17th album 'It's Your Call'. It spawned the country hits "Take It Back", the title track and "The Heart Won't Lie", a duet with Vince Gill.
1992: Opening of Reba's Ranch House
In 1992, Reba McEntire opened Reba's Ranch House in Denison, Texas, providing extended-stay residence for relatives of patients at Texoma Medical Center.
1993: "Does He Love You" collaboration and CMA Awards controversy
In 1993, Reba McEntire collaborated with Linda Davis on the single "Does He Love You", which became a number one hit. Later that year, they performed the duet at the CMA Awards, where McEntire's red dress created controversy.
1994: Read My Mind album release
In 1994, Reba McEntire released her 18th studio album, 'Read My Mind'. The disc included the controversial song "She Thinks His Name Was John".
1994: Release of Read My Mind Album
In 1994, Reba McEntire released the commercially successful album Read My Mind, which featured the number-one country single "The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter".
1995: Starting Over album release
In 1995, Reba McEntire released 'Starting Over', a collection of her favorite songs originally recorded by others, to commemorate her 20 years in the music industry.
November 1996: What If It's You album release
In November 1996, Reba McEntire released her album 'What If It's You', which was a return to a contemporary country sound. The album topped the Billboard country albums list.
1996: Release of What If It's You Album
In 1996, Reba McEntire released the commercially successful album What If It's You, which featured the number-one country single "How Was I to Know".
June 1998: If You See Him and If You See Her album releases
In June 1998, Reba McEntire and Brooks & Dunn released their respective albums, 'If You See Him' (McEntire) and 'If You See Her' (Brooks & Dunn), both featuring the duet "If You See Him/If You See Her".
1998: Release of If You See Him Album
In 1998, Reba McEntire released the album If You See Him, featuring the number-one country single, a duet with Brooks and Dunn called "If You See Him/If You See Her".
1999: Christmas album and So Good Together album releases
In 1999, Reba McEntire released her second Christmas album, 'The Secret of Giving: A Christmas Collection', and her 22nd studio album, 'So Good Together'.
2001: Role in Annie Get Your Gun and Premiere of TV Series Reba
In 2001, Reba McEntire played 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.
2001: "I'm a Survivor" single and TV series
In 2001, Reba McEntire released the single "I'm a Survivor", which became a top-five country hit and the theme song to her 2001 television series.
August 2003: "I'm Gonna Take That Mountain" single release
In August 2003, Reba McEntire released the single "I'm Gonna Take That Mountain", which was included on her album 'Room to Breathe'.
November 2003: Room to Breathe album release
In November 2003, Reba McEntire released her album 'Room to Breathe', her first studio album in four years. The album featured a guest appearance from Vince Gill.
2004: Room to Breathe Tour
In 2004, Reba McEntire embarked on her first tour in several years, titled the Room to Breathe Tour, which included 36 cities in the United States.
2005: Reba #1's compilation album release
In 2005, MCA released the double-disc compilation album titled Reba #1's while Reba McEntire was between albums.
September 2007: Reba: Duets album release
In September 2007, Reba McEntire released 'Reba: Duets', an album featuring duets with various artists, including Kenny Chesney, LeAnn Rimes, Trisha Yearwood, Carole King, and Justin Timberlake.
2011: Induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame
In 2011, the Country Music Association announced that Reba McEntire would be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, with the official induction ceremony being attended by McEntire alongside Jean Shepard and Bobby Braddock, inducted by Dolly Parton.
2013: Miranda Lambert ties CMA record
In 2013, Miranda Lambert tied Reba McEntire's record of winning the Country Music Association's Female Vocalist of the Year Award four times consecutively.
2013: Statement on Kelly Clarkson's marriage
In 2013, Reba McEntire stated she was "Thrilled to death, to have my buddy as my daughter-in-law" regarding Kelly Clarkson's impending marriage to her stepson Brandon Blackstock.
2014: Clark McEntire's Death Year
Clark McEntire, Reba's father, died in 2014.
August 3, 2015: Separation from Narvel Blackstock
On August 3, 2015, Reba McEntire and Narvel Blackstock announced their separation after 26 years of marriage in a joint statement on McEntire's website.
October 28, 2015: Divorce Finalization
In December 2015, Reba McEntire announced that her divorce from Narvel Blackstock was finalized on October 28, 2015.
December 2015: Divorce Announcement
In December 2015, Reba McEntire announced that her divorce from Narvel Blackstock was finalized on October 28, 2015.
2016: Carrie Underwood ties CMA record
In 2016, Carrie Underwood joined Reba McEntire and Miranda Lambert in winning the Country Music Association's Female Vocalist of the Year Award four times consecutively.
2017: Relationship with Anthony Lasuzzo
In 2017, Reba McEntire began a relationship with photographer Anthony "Skeeter" Lasuzzo, meeting through Kix Brooks.
December 2018: Kennedy Center Honor
In December 2018, Reba McEntire received the Kennedy Center Honor.
2018: Horatio Alger Award
In 2018, Reba McEntire was honored with the Horatio Alger Award for Education and Charity Work, recognizing perseverance and giving back.
April 2019: McEntire describes her feelings for Lasuzzo
In April 2019, Reba McEntire expressed being "totally in love" with Anthony "Skeeter" Lasuzzo.
2020: Relationship with Rex Linn
In 2020, Reba McEntire began dating film and TV actor Rex Linn, reconnecting almost 30 years after they first met.
2020: Jacqueline McEntire's Death Year
Jacqueline McEntire, Reba's mother, died in 2020.
March 2022: Finalization of stepson's divorce
In March 2022, the divorce between Reba McEntire's stepson Brandon Blackstock and singer Kelly Clarkson was finalized.
2023: Coaching on The Voice
Since 2023, Reba McEntire has been featured as a coach on four seasons of the reality competition show The Voice.
December 2024: Engagement to Rex Linn
Months before the public announcement, in December 2024 Reba McEntire and Rex Linn were engaged.
August 7, 2025: Death of Stepson Brandon Blackstock
On August 7, 2025, Reba McEntire's stepson, Brandon Blackstock, died of melanoma at the age of 48.
2025: Engagement Announcement
Prior to the 2025 Emmy Awards ceremony, Reba McEntire and Rex Linn announced their engagement.
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