Reba McEntire Life Story | No.1 female country singer

Who is Reba McEntire?

If “Consistency and success go hand in hand” is a real thing, Reba McEntire is a name to talk about to support the case.

Reba McEntire is a woman to look up to for everyone in this generation. She is an American country singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer.

At the age of 68, she is all set to entertain her fans with a new record deal. If we have to emphasize, Reba McEntire is one of the few artists who has never vanished out of the picture in the musical industry.

Hence, even after 40 years of working in the industry, she still has the same impact she had when she was just shining.

As of 2020, with the announcement to release new editions of her 90s hit, Rumor Has It, Reba has once again proved her presence in American music.

Her musical journey is not something that we can forget. But, besides her musical career, Reba had a life full of action. Who she was and what she had in being behind the bright-colored musical world is what we are going to cover in this article.

Let’s get to know Reba McEntire: an unforgettable name.

Table of Contents

Quick facts

Full nameReba Nell McEntire
BirthdayMarch 28, 1955
Age68 years old
BirthplaceMcAlester, Pittsburg County, Oklahoma
NationalityAmerican
EthnicityCaucasian
ReligionChristian
ParentsClark Vincent McEntire,

Jacqueline Smith

SiblingsAlice McEntire,
Pake McEntire,
Susie McEntire
SpouseCharles Battles (1976-1987)

Narvel Blackstock (1989-2015)

ChildrenShelby Steven McEntire Blackstock (son)
Height1.70 m
Net worthUSD 95 Million
Social mediaYouTube
Twitter
Instagram

Interesting facts

  • Reba’s mother taught her music.
  • Reba was born in Pittsburgh County, Oklahoma, to Clark Vincent McEntire and Jacqueline McEntire. Her father was a professional steer roper whereas her mother was a school teacher.

    Her mother dreamed of becoming a singer but couldn’t fulfill it. So, she taught her kids about music.

    She and her siblings-Pake and Susie learned singing from their mother.

  • Reba and her siblings have a vocal group.
  • Reba, Pake, and Susie learned music early on through their mother. So, they formed a vocal group called ‘Singing McEntire’s.’ Reba was a guitarist and songwriter of the group. They were successful in their way.

  • She has been married twice.
  • Reba has had ups and downs in her relationships and has had many men in her life. 

    She first got married to a rancher named Charles Battles in 1976. However, they divorced after 11 years of being together.

    After two years of remaining single, she finally married her manager and steel guitar player, Narvel Blackstock. She also gave birth to a son, Shelby Steven McEntire Blackstock. Sadly, this marriage also ended after 26 years.

    After this divorce, she was in a two-year relationship with photographer Anthony Lasuzzo. 

    Now, she is dating an American actor named Rex Linn.

  • Reba was not always successful
  • You may know Reba as one of the best female country singers of all time; however, she had her share of struggles.

    Her journey began after she signed a contract with Mercury Records in 1976. However, people didn’t acknowledge her. Her first single, ‘I Don’t Wanna Be a One Night Stand,’ failed, but she continued working hard.

    She struggled from 1976 to 1983.

    Finally, her single ‘Sweet Dreams’ secured 19th position on the Billboard Country Chart in 1979, and from 1980, at least one of her songs started being on the Top 20 Billboard Country Chart.

    Reba McEntire childhood and early life

    Born as Reba Nell McEntire in a city named McAlester in Pittsburgh County, Oklahoma, Reba grew up learning music from an early age. She was born on March 28, 1955. Reba McEntire is currently 68 years old.

    Her father, Clark Vincent McEntire, was a professional steer roper who bagged the world championship in 1957, 1958, and 1961. On the other hand, her mother, Jacqueline McEntire (née Smith), was a school teacher.

    However, Reba’s mother had dreamt of becoming a country singer. Even though the dream did not see its light, Reba’s mother did not leave any stone unturned to teach her kids about music and singing.

    Reba McEntire is the third child of her parents. She has an elder sister, Alice, an elder brother, Pake, and a younger sister, Susie.

    While growing up, Reba, Pake, and Susie learned singing from their mother. The early exposure to music helped to shape Reba into an eminent country singer later in her life.

    After some crucial lessons from her mother, Reba and two of her siblings formed a vocal group, “Singing McEntire’s.” The group played a vital role in developing her confidence.

    Impressively enough, Reba was a guitarist in the group. Also, she wrote all the songs for the group. The group was successful in its rights.

    Reba McEntire spouse and relationships

    Reba McEntire’s personal life was never a barrier in her career. Even though she had ups and downs in her relationships with men, she never moved an inch away from achieving her professional goals.

    Reba tied the knot with steer wrestling champion and rancher Charles Battles in 1976.

    The couple jointly owned a ranch in Oklahoma. Her marriage with Battles came to an end in the 11th year.

    Charles was ten years older than Reba. Also, he had two sons from his previous marriage. Reba was only 21 during her first wedding. She has no kids with her first husband.

    After the divorce from Battles, Reba moved to Nashville, Tennesse, and pursued her career. Her career needed the most attention in 1987. Reba rightfully focused on herself rather than her broken marriage during that time.

    Only two years after the end of her 1st marriage, Reba McEntire tied the knot for the second time. This time, she fell in love with her manager and the steel guitar player, Narvel Blackstock.

    The couple wed in 1989 on a boat at Lake Tahoe. On a private ceremony, the couple vowed to become each other’s companions.

    Also, read Elisa Gayle Ritter- Narvel Blackstock’s ex-wife.

    Although the love between them was strong, Reba and Narvel parted ways after 26 years of marriage. They announced their separation through a joint statement on 3 August 2015.

    The couple legally divorced in December 2015. Reba has a son named Shelby Steven McEntire Blackstock with Marvel.

    One more time, after ending things with Marvel Blackstock, Reba found love in a photographer named Anthony “Skeeter” Lasuzzo. The couple, however, lasted only for two years. They broke up in November 2019.

    Her new boyfriend Rex Linn

    Reba McEntire started dating the American actor Rex Linn in 2020. However, they have known each other for nearly three decades before being in a relationship.

    Reba has said in an interview that she met Linn for the first time in 1991 on the sets of Kenny Rogers movie “The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw.”

    On an episode of “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen,” Reba said she and Rex were in contact with each other over the years, and they both knew the same people. So it was like good friends getting back together to have dinner in January.

    McEntire and Linn started texting and talking on the phone and got to know each other better during the quarantine.

    Reba and Rex can be seen gushing about each other on their Instagram accounts.

    Reba McEntire son and step-children

    Reba McEntire has a biological son named Shelby Steven Skeeter. She gave birth to her first child in February 1990. Her career was at a peak when she gave birth to Shelby.

    Impressively, even motherhood could not stop Reba from being the most popular country singer.

    Besides her biological son, Reba is very close to her three stepchildren from her second husband.

    Her second husband, Marvel Blackstock, had three kids from his previous marriage: Chassidy, Shawna, and Brandon Blackstock. Reba’s relationship with her son and the three stepchildren is unquestionably pure.

    Anthony also had four children from his previous marriages: Kristi Lasuzzo, Holli Dixon, Tyler Rominger, and Blake Lasuzzo.

    Reba McEntire career launch

    Despite the success in the group, “Singing McEntire’s” Reba had aimed to become an elementary teacher while she attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 1974.

    Nevertheless, she performed at the local venues, too.

    In the same year, Reba got an opportunity to sing the national anthem at the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City.

    Her performance at the event was enough to impress the famous country singer, Red Steagall.

    Following the event, Steagall committed to helping Reba in the launch of her country music career. By 1975, Reba had already signed a recording contract with Mercury Records. The rest of her achievements followed as years passed by.

    Her rising career in country music

    Reba McEntire experienced her share of highs and lows in the industry. The most admirable thing, however, was her consistency and unstoppable attitude.

    After signing the recording contract with Mercury Records in 1975, her journey began as a professional country singing began. Like almost all artists, people did not appreciate the beginning of her professional career.

    For a few years, Reba McEntire had all the reasons to question her career choice.

    Her first recording was her debut single with Mercury Records on 22 January 1976. The song did not do well in the market.

    Her first single, “I Don’t Wanna Be a One Night Stand,” failed, but Reba’s enthusiasm did not.

    From the year 1976 to 1983, Reba McEntire struggled to claim a spot as top-performing country singer. When she released her self-titled debut album in August 1976, her hopes were high.

    The album, leaving Reba in despair, did not significantly impact the audience. Three years later, upon the release of her second studio album, Out of a Dream, Reba became slightly hopeful.

    One of her singles, Sweet Dreams, bagged the spot of No. 19 on the Billboard Country Chart in November 1979.

    Her career took the right turn starting in 1980. Beginning 1980, almost every year ahead, at least one of her songs was on the Top 20 of the Billboard Country Chart.

    Reba McEntire’s continuous success from the 80s to the 90s

    The 80s was a breakthrough in her career. She released several albums between 1984 and 1990. Almost all the records, like Just a Little Love (1984), Whoever’s in New England (1986), What Am I Gonna Do About You (1986), etc., were successful even though some of them received criticism.

    During those years, Reba Mcentire acclaimed full recognition.

    She became one of the most loved female country singers of all time. Her success started speaking for her. She was probably one of the busiest country artists in the 80s and the 90s. Reba successfully managed her career and family.

    Despite being a country artist, Reba McEntire also gave the touch of pop music through her musical works. Her fifteenth album, Rumor Has It, in 1990, was a transition from country music to pop.

    She received massive praise from the critics as well as the audience.

    Success was all for Reba during the 90s. Before her, anyone would have hardly guessed that a female country singer could be on top for such a long period.

    Additional successful songs and tours made her quite famous in the 90s.

    Unstoppable Reba McEntire

    In 2001, Reba became the most certified female country artist in history. Her fame inspired aspiring women country singers never to get dominated by the reign of males in country music.

    Reba, even after some unsuccessful ventures, never stopped bouncing back. As we can see, even at the age of 65, Reba McEntire knows what her audience wants from her.

    Reba McEntire is one of the best-selling music artists in America of all time. Recently, when most of the artists from the 80s and 90s are fading away, Reba McEntire is rising again.

    Her biggest hits from the 90s are all over YouTube and other digital platforms yet again.

    “Be A Light,” one of her 1994 hits, was released on YouTube on 20 March 2020. The new release was a revised edition and collaboration with Thomas Rett.

    Aside from that, Reba is committed to releasing some of her other hits on the digital platform one more time.

    Besides her entry on the digital platform, Reba also signed a new record deal with MCA Nashville. She is returning to the label after 11 years.

    She announced the good news during a surprise appearance at the Country Radio Summer on February 20, 2020.

    Thus the unstoppable Reba McEntire is once again about to spread her magic. Well, had she even gone out of the picture, to be honest?

    Reba McEntire fancy

    ‘Fancy’ is Reba’s one of the best and bravest songs to date. The song was written and recorded originally by Bobbie Gentry in 1969. 

    McEntire did a remake of it and made it one of her trademark hits. The song tells a story of a rags-to-riches young woman.

    The song is emotional yet, powerful.

    Reba McEntire songs

    Reba McEntire has been renowned as one of the best female country singers of all time for her hit songs such as:

    1. Rumor Has It from the album’ Rumor Has It’ (1990)

    2. Turn on the Radio from the album ‘All the Woman I Am (2010)

    3. The Fear of Being Alone from the album ‘What If It’s You’ (1996)

    4. How Was I to Know from the album ‘What If It’s You’ (1996)

    5. Somebody from the album’ Room to Breathe’ (2003)

    6. The Last One to Know from the album ‘The Last One to Know’ (1987)

    7. ‘Consider Me Gone from the album ‘Keep on Loving You’ (2009)

    8. Take It Back from the album ‘It’s Your Call’ (1992)

    9. Every Other Weekend from the album ‘Reba: Duets’ (2007)

    10. Little Rock from the album ‘Whoever’s in New England’ (1986)

    11. Because of You from the album ‘Reba: Duets’ (2007)

    12. Strange from the album ‘Keep on Loving You’ (2009)

    13. The Heart Won’t Lie from the album It’s Your Call’ (1992)

    14. Whoever’s in New England from the album ‘Whoever’s in New England’ (1986)

    15. If You See Him, If You See Her from the album ‘If You See Him’ (1998)

    16. The Greatest Man I Never Knew from the album ‘For My Broken Heart’ (1991).

    17. I’m a Survivor from the album’ Greatest Hits Vol. III: I’m a Survivor’ (2001)

    18. The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia from the album ‘For My Broken Heart’ (1991)

    19. Does He Love You from the album’ Greatest Hits Volume Two’ (1993)

    20. Fancy from the album’ Rumor Has It’ (1990)

    List of her albums

    Reba McEntire is one of the few successful female country artists of all time. The number of greatest hit songs and awards that she received is just a small glimpse of her success.

    Moreover, her presence in the industry, even in her 60s, speaks a lot for her successful career.

    The following are the list of her albums, most of which were critically acclaimed and made it to the chart of Top Billboard Country Music:

    • Reba McEntire (1977)
    • Out of a Dream (1979)
    • Feel the Fire (1980)
    • Heart to Heart (1981)
    • Unlimited (1982)
    • Behind the Scene (1983)
    • Just a Little Love (1984)
    • My Kind of Country (1984)
    • Have I Got a Deal for You (1985)
    • Whoever’s in New England (1986)
    • Reba Nell McEntire (1986)
    • What Am I Gonna Do About You (1986)
    • The Last One to Know (1987)
    • Merry Christmas to You (1987)
    • Reba (1988) Sweet Sixteen (1989)
    • Rumor Has It (1990)
    • For My Broken Heart (1991)
    • It’s Your Call (1992)
    • Read My Mind (1994)
    • Starting Over (1995)
    • What If It’s You (1996)
    • If You See Him (1998)
    • So Good Together (1999)
    • The Secret of Giving: A Christmas Collection (1999)
    • Room to Breathe (2003)
    • Reba: Duets (2007)
    • Keep On Loving You (2009)
    • All the Women I Am (2010)
    • Love Somebody (2015)
    • My Kind of Christmas (2016)
    • Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope (2017)
    • Stronger Than the Truth (2019)

    Speaking of her success, “Heart to Heart” (1981) was the first album to be at No. 42 in the Billboard Top Country Albums. Also, from her 1982 Album, Unlimited, two songs: Can’t Even Get The Blues and First Time I Thought About Leaving, topped the Billboard Chart.

    Similarly, her 14th studio album, Sweet Sixteen, was on the top of Billboard Top Country albums chart for 16 weeks straight in 1989.

    Reba is not just talented, but her consistency in the musical arena gave her a successful career, which she undoubtedly deserved.

    Film career

    Not only a country singer, but Reba McEntire also entered the film and television industry in 1990. She played the character Heather Gummer, in the horror-comedy, Tremors. She was in the nomination of the Best Supporting Actress at the Saturn Awards 1991.

    Reba also starred in a movie named “Is There A Life Out There?” The title of the film was based on her song with the same title. In 1995, she starred in Buffalo Girls, which was the story of a western cowgirl. The film got a nomination for Emmy Awards.

    Besides these, Reba made a few Broadway appearances and a few television appearances as well. She even hosted several award shows.

    But, the acting career did not favor her, as the musical profession did. Hence, she continued to contribute to the country music industry, though she had never left.

    Reba McEntire 2020 arena tour

    With everything on pause due to the havoc of the COVID 19 pandemic, Reba McEntire’s 2020 Arena Tour is also on hold.

    Reba had previously announced the 2020 Arena Tour in November 2020. Her fans were excited to see their favorite artist perform for them in different states.

    However, the ongoing pandemic left all of the fans in disappointment.

    But, Reba McEntire, knowing the desires of her fans, has already rescheduled her tour. If things go well, the Arena Tour will occur in 2021. The rescheduled dates are already out.

    The tour will begin in Evansville, Indiana, on 8 July 2021 and end on 14 August 2021 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The fans have already started booking the tickets.

    Elisa Gayle Ritter and Reba McEntire’s look-alike

    More than often, people mistake Reba McEntire for Elisa Gayle Ritter, who is Narvel Blackstock’s first wife.

    Honestly, Elisa’s pictures and other proofs to prove that she is Reba’s look-alike is unavailable. Hence, upon seeing no supportive factual evidence, we can say that Elisa Gayle Ritter is not Reba McEntire’s look-alike.

    They are related through their husband, Narvel Blackstock. Also, Reba is very close to Elisa’s kids with Narvel.

    But are Reba and Elisa Gayle Ritter look-alikes? A big NO.

    However, a celebrity look-alike impersonator whose name is unknown allegedly looks the same as Reba McEntire. The look-alike has impersonated Reba on several occasions. Just like Reba, the look-alike can sing and dance.

    Details about Reba’s look-alike are unavailable on the internet.

    Reba McEntire net worth

    After consistently ruling the platform of country music for over 40 years, Reba McEntire is one of the most famous country artists. To be precise, she is number one when it comes to female country singers.

    She has sold USD 90 million records around the globe and has given 16 No. 1 albums.

    From critical to commercial success, Reba has achieved everything that an artist desires. Years of contribution in the sector make Reba one of the wealthiest country artists.

    Her net worth is USD 95 Million.

    Social media

    As Reba stepped into the digital world recently, you can listen to her songs on her self-titled YouTube channel. The channel has over 540 thousand subscribers as of yet.

    Also, she is on Twitter, through which she connects to her fans. On her Twitter page, she has notified her fans about the Rumor Has It 30th Anniversary Edition to be available on 11 September 2020.

    She has over 2.2 Million followers on Twitter.

    Likewise, she has a considerable presence on Instagram as well. Reba has over 1.9 million followers on Instagram.

    Reba McEntire 2021

    Reba is very active on social media. She just released her new album ‘Revived Remixed Revisited.’ 

    Reba is busy promoting her album and giving interviews.

    Her love life is also blooming, and she can be seen hanging out with her new boyfriend, Rex Linn, on his Instagram posts.

    Reba McEntire covid

    Reba revealed that she and her boyfriend got coronavirus despite being vaccinated. 

    However, the singer explained that she might have experienced a false positive test due to the antibodies from the vaccination in an interview with the “Talk Shop Live” show.

    Reba’s nurse told her that she probably had RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus).

    F.A.Qs

    How old is Reba McEntire?

    Reba was born on March 28, 1955, thus, making her 68 years old.

    Is Reba McEntire married?

    Reba McEntire is not married after her divorce from the American producer, Narvel Blackstock. Instead, she is dating Rex Linn. We hope to hear wedding bells ring soon.

    How much is Reba McEntire worth?

    The stunning singer and actress Reba McEntire’s net worth is estimated at USD 95 million. 

    Is Reba McEntire cross-eyed?

    Yes, Reba McEntire is crossed-eyed, which gives her an extra sassy look.

    Strabismus causes crossed-eye. It is a condition that affects the eyes’ alignment, causing people to be cross-eyed or walleyed. 

    Is Reba McEntire in a relationship?

    After breaking up with Anthony Skeeter, Reba is again in a relationship with an American film and television actor, Rex Linn. They made their relationship known to the public in October 2020.

    Who is Reba McEntire’s husband?

    Currently, Reba McEntire is not married. Instead, she is dating the American actor Rex Linn. 

    Reba McEntire has been married twice. First, she was married to Charles Battles from 1976-1987. 

    In 1989, she married a television producer, Narvel Blackstock. Unfortunately, they parted ways after 26 years of being married. 

    Are Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire friends?

    Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire are not only the queen of country music but a pair of good friends too. There has never been envy or competition between them.

    Dolly tweeted, “A true musician. A true friend. Happy birthday, @reba ❤️”. 

    Reba also wishes Dolly on her birthday, saying, “Happy birthday @DollyParton, I love you more than my rhinestones!”
    Bestfriend goals right?

    How did Reba McEntire lose weight?

    Reba sets her mind to lose weight because first, you need to train your mind.

    She also follows a disciplined program that includes eating lots of protein and drinking at least ten glasses of water a day. But, of course, she also gets a lot of sleep.

    Reba McEntire also avoids carbs to lose weight.

    Who is Reba McEntire’s new boyfriend?

    Reba’s new boyfriend is an American film actor named Rex Linn. He is renowned for his role of Frank Tripp in the TV series ‘CSI: Miami.’

    Is Reba McEntire dating Rex Linn?

    Yes, Reba McEntire has been dating Rex Linn since 2020.

    Why did Reba’s husband leave her?

    After 26 years of being married, Reba and Narvel called it quits. According to Reba, Narvel was not happy about the relationship, and due to this, she agreed to divorce him.
    She did not want to shackle anyone to stay with her.

    Are Reba and Laura Stroud still friends?

    Laura Stroud is a real estate agent and was a close friend of Reba McEntire and Narvel Blackstock.

    However, after divorcing Reba, Narvel moved on with Laura. On a positive note, Reba and Laura are still friends.

    Reba’s Instagram includes photos of her and Laura at a Katy Perry concert. Laura has also attended Reba’s son, Shelby Blackstock’s car racing competition.

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