History of Reba McEntire in Timeline
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.
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.
1969: Original release of "Fancy"
In 1969, Bobbie Gentry originally released the song "Fancy", which Reba McEntire would later cover and turn into one of her signature songs in 1990.
1971: Release of "The Ballad of John McEntire"
In 1971, The Singing McEntires released "The Ballad of John McEntire", a single about their famous grandfather.
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, accompanied by her mother, traveled to Nashville, Tennessee, to record a demonstration tape with the hope of securing a record deal. She was initially hesitant, but her mother's encouragement changed her mind.
November 1975: Signing with PolyGram/Mercury Records
In November 1975, Reba McEntire officially signed a country music recording contract with PolyGram/Mercury Records.
1975: Recording Contract with PolyGram/Mercury Records
In 1975, Reba McEntire secured a country music recording contract with PolyGram/Mercury Records, thanks to the help of Red Steagall, who was impressed by her singing at a rodeo event.
1975: Opportunity from Red Steagall
In early 1975, Reba was offered an opportunity by Red Steagall to record. He said, "I can't take all three. But I could take Reba. She's got something a little different."
January 1976: First Recordings for PolyGram/Mercury
In January 1976, Reba McEntire made her first recordings for PolyGram/Mercury Records. The music was produced by Glenn Keener and featured a Countrypolitan arrangement.
1976: Marriage to Charlie Battles
In 1976, Reba McEntire married Charlie Battles, a steer wrestling champion and rancher who was 10 years her senior.
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 Dolly Parton's surprise appearance led to her act being cut short.
1977: Release of Self-Titled Debut Album
In 1977, Reba McEntire's self-titled debut album was released by Mercury. The album's style 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 the double-sided single "I'd Really Love to See You Tonight"/"Three Sheets in the Wind", which became her first top-20 hit on the country chart.
1979: Release of 'Out of a Dream'
In 1979, Reba McEntire released her second studio album, Out of a Dream, produced by Jerry Kennedy. The album's cover of Patsy Cline's "Sweet Dreams" became her first top-20 hit as a solo artist.
1980: Formation of Band and Top 10 Hit
By 1980, Reba McEntire had formed her own band, including her siblings Susie and Pake McEntire. In 1980, her song "(You Lift Me) Up to Heaven" became her first top-10 hit on the country songs chart.
1981: Release of 'Heart to Heart'
In 1981, Reba McEntire released her fourth album, Heart to Heart, which became her first disc to chart on the Billboard Country Albums list.
1983: Success of 'Can't Even Get the Blues' and 'You're the First Time I Thought About Leaving'
In 1983, Reba McEntire's single "Can't Even Get the Blues" reached number one on the Billboard country chart, followed by her second number-one song, "You're the First Time I Thought About Leaving".
1984: Signing with MCA Records and Release of 'My Kind of Country'
In 1984, Reba McEntire signed with MCA Records after being unhappy with her career trajectory at PolyGram/Mercury. Her second MCA album, My Kind of Country, released in 1984, became her breakthrough release, featuring two number-one Billboard country singles and signaling a shift towards a more traditional musical style.
1984: Signing with MCA Records and Breakthrough with 'My Kind of Country'
In 1984, Reba McEntire signed with MCA Records. She then released 'My Kind of Country'. This album became her breakthrough recording, leading her to win the CMA Female Vocalist of the Year award.
1985: Release of 'Have I Got a Deal for You' album and World Series performance
In 1985, Reba McEntire released the album 'Have I Got a Deal for You' and performed the National Anthem at game one of the World Series on October 19.
January 17, 1986: Induction into the Grand Ole Opry
On January 17, 1986, Reba McEntire was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.
February 1986: Release of 'Whoever's in New England' album
In February 1986, Reba McEntire released her ninth studio album 'Whoever's in New England', blending traditional and contemporary country styles. The album title track went on to win a Grammy Award.
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.
1987: Release of 'The Last One to Know' and 'Merry Christmas to You' albums and Carnegie Hall performance
In 1987, Reba McEntire released '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.
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.
1989: Release of 'Sweet Sixteen' and 'Reba Live' albums
In 1989, Reba McEntire released 'Sweet Sixteen', a return to neo-traditionalist country, and her first live album, 'Reba Live'.
January 1990: Film Debut in Tremors
In January 1990, Reba McEntire made her film debut in the movie Tremors, marking the beginning of her acting career.
February 1990: Birth of son Shelby Steven McEntire Blackstock
In February 1990, Reba McEntire gave birth to her son, Shelby Steven McEntire Blackstock.
1990: Release of 'Rumor Has It' album
In 1990, Reba McEntire released 'Rumor Has It', a pop-oriented album which became her highest-selling album.
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".
December 1992: Release of 'It's Your Call' album
In December 1992, Reba McEntire's 17th album 'It's Your Call' was released, becoming her first to reach the top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart.
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.
1993: Release and performance of 'Does He Love You'
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 dress caused controversy.
1994: Release of 'Read My Mind' album
In 1994, Reba McEntire released her 18th studio album 'Read My Mind', which reached number two on both the Billboard 200 and the Top Country Albums chart.
1995: Less Favorable Response for "Starting Over"
In 1995 Reba's album "Starting Over" received less favorable response from radio programmers than her album "What If It's You" in 1996.
1995: Release of 'Starting Over' album
In 1995, Reba McEntire released her 19th studio album 'Starting Over', a collection of her favorite songs originally recorded by others to commemorate her 20 years in the music industry.
November 1996: Release of 'What If It's You' album
In November 1996, Reba McEntire released her album 'What If It's You', which returned to a contemporary country sound and topped the Billboard country albums list.
1996: Release of 'What If It's You'
In 1996, Reba McEntire released the album What If It's You, which became commercially successful and featured the number-one country single "How Was I to Know."
June 1998: Release of 'If You See Him' and Brooks & Dunn's 'If You See Her' albums
In June 1998, Reba McEntire released the album 'If You See Him', while Brooks & Dunn released 'If You See Her', both containing the duet "If You See Him/If You See Her".
1998: Release of 'If You See Him'
In 1998, Reba McEntire released the album If You See Him, which included the number-one country single "If You See Him/If You See Her", a duet with Brooks and Dunn.
1999: Release of 'The Secret of Giving: A Christmas Collection' and 'So Good Together' albums
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: Broadway Debut and Launch of TV Series 'Reba'
In 2001, Reba McEntire played the role of Annie Oakley in the Broadway musical Annie Get Your Gun. Also in 2001, the TV series Reba, starring McEntire, was launched on The WB.
2001: Release of 'I'm a Survivor' and TV series
In 2001, Reba McEntire released "I'm a Survivor", which became a top-five country hit and the theme song to her 2001 television series of the same name. McEntire focused on an acting career in the early 2000s and took a temporary musical hiatus.
August 2003: Release of 'I'm Gonna Take That Mountain'
In August 2003, Reba McEntire released the MCA single "I'm Gonna Take That Mountain", which was included on her album 'Room to Breathe'.
November 2003: Release of 'Room to Breathe' album
In November 2003, Reba McEntire released the album 'Room to Breathe', her first studio album in four years. It debuted at number four on the Billboard country chart.
2004: Room to Breathe Tour
In 2004, Reba McEntire embarked on her first tour in several years, titled Room to Breathe, which included 36 cities in the United States.
2005: Release of 'Reba #1's' compilation album
In 2005, MCA released the double-disc compilation 'Reba #1's' while Reba McEntire was between albums.
September 2007: Release of 'Reba: Duets' album
In September 2007, Reba McEntire's album 'Reba: Duets' was released, featuring duets with various music artists. The album topped both the Billboard country chart and the Billboard 200.
2011: Induction into Country Music Hall of Fame
In 2011, The Country Music Association announced Reba McEntire's induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
2013: Miranda Lambert Ties Record
In 2013, Miranda Lambert tied Reba McEntire to win the Country Music Association's Female Vocalist of the Year Award four times consecutively.
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.
2014: Death of Clark McEntire
In 2014, Clark McEntire, Reba's father, passed away.
August 3, 2015: Separation from Narvel Blackstock
On August 3, 2015, Reba McEntire and Narvel Blackstock announced that they had been separated for a few months after 26 years of marriage.
October 28, 2015: Divorce Finalized
On October 28, 2015, Reba McEntire's divorce from Narvel Blackstock was finalized.
December 2015: Divorce Announcement
In December 2015, Reba McEntire announced that her divorce from Narvel Blackstock had been finalized on October 28, 2015.
2016: Carrie Underwood Ties Record
In 2016, Carrie Underwood joined Reba McEntire and Miranda Lambert by winning her fourth Country Music Association's Female Vocalist of the Year Award.
2017: Began relationship with Anthony "Skeeter" Lasuzzo
In 2017, Reba McEntire began a relationship with photographer Anthony "Skeeter" Lasuzzo after meeting through Kix Brooks.
December 2018: Received Kennedy Center Honor
In December 2018, Reba McEntire received the Kennedy Center Honor.
2018: Honored with the Horatio Alger Award
In 2018, Reba McEntire was honored with the Horatio Alger Award for Education, Charity Work, which recognizes perseverance and giving back.
April 2019: McEntire Describes Feelings About Lasuzzo
In April 2019, Reba McEntire stated, "We're totally in love — absolutely," about her relationship with Anthony "Skeeter" Lasuzzo.
2020: Death of Jacqueline McEntire
In 2020, Jacqueline McEntire, Reba's mother, passed away.
2020: Began dating Rex Linn
In 2020, Reba McEntire began dating film and TV actor Rex Linn after reconnecting almost 30 years after they first met.
March 2022: Divorce of Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson
In March 2022, the divorce of Reba McEntire's stepson Brandon Blackstock and singer Kelly Clarkson was finalized.
2023: Coaching on 'The Voice'
Since 2023, Reba McEntire has been a coach on four seasons of the reality competition show The Voice.
December 2024: Engagement to Rex Linn
In December 2024, Reba McEntire became engaged to Rex Linn.
August 7, 2025: Death of Brandon Blackstock
Brandon Blackstock, Reba McEntire's stepson, died of melanoma on August 7, 2025, at the age of 48.
2025: Announcement of engagement to Rex Linn
In 2025, Reba McEntire and Rex Linn announced their engagement, which took place months prior in December 2024.
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