Childhood and Education Journey of Reba McEntire in Timeline

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

Reba McEntire, often called "The Queen of Country," is a highly successful American country singer, actress, and businesswoman. She has sold over 75 million records globally and charted over 100 singles on Billboard's Hot Country Songs, with 25 reaching number one. Beyond music, McEntire has acted in film and television, most notably starring in the series *Reba* for six seasons. She has also ventured into entrepreneurship, owning businesses like a restaurant and a clothing line, demonstrating a diverse and enduring career.

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.

1927: Birth of Clark McEntire

In 1927, Clark McEntire, Reba's father, was born.

1934: John Wesley McEntire's Steer Roping Championship

In 1934, John Wesley McEntire, Reba's grandfather, became a world-champion steer roper.

March 28, 1955: Reba McEntire's Birth

On March 28, 1955, Reba Nell McEntire, later known as a prominent American country singer and actress, was born.

1955: Birth in McAlester, Oklahoma

In 1955, Reba McEntire was born in McAlester, 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.

1961: Clark McEntire's Steer Roping Championship

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

1973: Graduation from Kiowa High School

In 1973, Reba McEntire graduated from Kiowa High School.

March 1975: Trip to Nashville to Record Demo Tape

In March 1975, Reba McEntire traveled to Nashville, Tennessee, with her mother to record a demonstration tape intended for record labels.

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 near miss at the gate and a shortened set due to Dolly Parton's surprise appearance.

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January 17, 1986: Induction into the Grand Ole Opry

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

1987: Album Release, Carnegie Hall Debut and Personal Reflection

In 1987, Reba McEntire released her 13th studio project, 'The Last One to Know'. Both the title track and "Love Will Find Its Way to You" topped the Billboard country songs chart. In late 1987, McEntire released her first Christmas collection called 'Merry Christmas to You'. Also in 1987, she played Carnegie Hall in New York City for the first time.

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1989: Marriage to Narvel Blackstock

In 1989, Reba McEntire married her manager and former steel guitar player Narvel Blackstock at Lake Tahoe in a private ceremony.

February 1990: Birth of Son

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. McEntire and her husband were scheduled to take a different aircraft the next day.

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

In October 1991, Reba McEntire released her 16th album, 'For My Broken Heart', dedicated to the deceased members of her road band. The album peaked at number three on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. The 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.

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

In 1991, Reba McEntire experienced the tragic loss of eight band members in a plane crash. This event led to the creation of her critically acclaimed and highest-selling album, "For My Broken Heart".

1991: First Meeting with Rex Linn

Reba McEntire and Rex Linn first met on the set of "The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw" in 1991.

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1992: Opening of Reba's Ranch House

In 1992, Reba McEntire opened Reba's Ranch House in Denison, Texas, providing extended-stay accommodations for families of patients at Texoma Medical Center and nearby facilities.

2013: Statement on Impending Marriage

In 2013, Reba McEntire stated she was "Thrilled to death, to have my buddy as my daughter-in-law" regarding the upcoming marriage of her stepson Brandon Blackstock to Kelly Clarkson.

2014: Death of Clark McEntire

In 2014, Clark McEntire, Reba's father, passed away.

August 3, 2015: Separation Announcement

On August 3, 2015, Reba McEntire and Narvel Blackstock announced on McEntire's website that they had been separated for a few months after 26 years of marriage.