Childhood and Education Journey of Reba McEntire in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 28, 2026

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Reba McEntire. From birth to education, explore key events.

Reba McEntire, known as "The Queen of Country," is a highly successful American country singer and actress. Since the 1970s, she has sold over 75 million records worldwide and placed over 100 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, with 25 reaching number one. Beyond music, McEntire has starred in film and television, notably in the series 'Reba,' which ran for six seasons. Additionally, she is a businesswoman with interests in restaurants and a clothing line.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1926: Birth of Jacqueline McEntire

In 1926, Jacqueline McEntire, Reba's mother, was born. She later became a public-school teacher, librarian, and secretary.

1927: Birth of Clark McEntire

In 1927, Clark McEntire, Reba's father, was born. He later became a three-time world-champion steer roper.

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 would later become a successful country singer and actress, known as "The Queen of Country."

1955: Birth in McAlester, Oklahoma

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 a world-champion steer roping title.

1958: Clark McEntire's Steer Roping Championship

In 1958, Clark McEntire, Reba's father, won a world-champion steer roping title.

1961: Clark McEntire's Steer Roping Championship

In 1961, Clark McEntire, Reba's father, won a world-champion steer roping title.

1973: Graduation from Kiowa High School

In 1973, Reba McEntire graduated from Kiowa High School.

1976: Marriage to Charlie Battles

In 1976, Reba McEntire married Charlie Battles, a steer wrestling champion and rancher who was 10 years her senior.

January 17, 1986: Induction into the Grand Ole Opry

On January 17, 1986, Reba McEntire was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.

1986: Release of 'What Am I Gonna Do About You' album and stage show changes

In 1986, Reba McEntire released her twelfth studio album 'What Am I Gonna Do About You'. She also began implementing choreography and experimenting with stage lighting for her shows.

1987: Divorce from Charlie Battles

In 1987, Reba McEntire divorced Charlie Battles and moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to further her career.

1988: Release of 'Reba' album and career control

In 1988, Reba McEntire released the pop-inspired album 'Reba' and took more control of her career by firing her manager and forming 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 at Lake Tahoe.

February 1990: Birth of son Shelby Steven McEntire Blackstock

In February 1990, Reba McEntire gave birth to her son, Shelby Steven McEntire Blackstock.

March 16, 1991: Plane crash tragedy

On March 16, 1991, a plane carrying members of Reba McEntire's band crashed after takeoff from San Diego, California, killing everyone on board.

October 1991: Release of 'For My Broken Heart' album

In October 1991, Reba McEntire released 'For My Broken Heart', dedicating it to the deceased members of her road band. The album peaked at number three on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.

1991: Loss of Band Members and Release of 'For My Broken Heart'

In 1991, Reba McEntire experienced a tragedy when she lost eight of her band members in a plane crash in San Diego, California. This led to her critically acclaimed and highest-selling album, For My Broken Heart.

1991: Met 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 movie "The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw".

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1992: Opening of Reba's Ranch House

In 1992, Reba McEntire opened Reba's Ranch House in Denison, Texas, an extended-stay residence for relatives of patients undergoing treatment at Texoma Medical Center.

2013: Statement on Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson's impending marriage

In 2013, Reba McEntire stated she was "Thrilled to death, to have my buddy as my daughter-in-law. I mean, who could ask for more?" regarding Brandon Blackstock's upcoming marriage to Kelly Clarkson.