On a sprawling 8,000-acre ranch in the quiet town of Chockie, Oklahoma, a young girl named Reba lived a life few would associate with future fame. Days filled with cattle wrangling, driving pickup trucks before her feet could even reach the pedals, and hard work alongside her siblings were the norm. It was here, amidst the grit and grind of ranch life, that the seeds of her future stardom were sown—a story of perseverance, passion, and dreams larger than the vast fields she once called home.
Life on the Ranch: Learning Grit the Hard Way
Reba was one of four children raised in a modest gray house with just a single bathroom. Her father, Clark McEntire, a champion steer roper, and her mother, Jackie, a homemaker with a deep love for country music, led the household. While her father taught discipline and hard work, her mother provided emotional warmth and encouragement.
By the age of five, Reba was already taking on responsibilities that would challenge most adults. Too small to reach the pedals of her father’s truck, she would be propped up with a 50-pound feed sack while steering the vehicle across rugged pastures. Her dad would shift the truck into “granny gear” and trust her to guide it through the fields as they managed the family’s cattle.
The McEntire household wasn’t one for idle hands. With her father frequently away competing in rodeos, the children were left to handle the daily demands of the ranch. Reba’s siblings—Alice, Pake, and Susie—were her closest allies during these long, arduous days. Together, they developed teamwork, resilience, and independence.
Music: A Light in the Hard Work
Although ranch life shaped her work ethic, it was music that ignited her dreams. Jackie McEntire, who had always harbored ambitions of becoming a country singer, passed that love for music to her children. Reba, along with her siblings Pake and Susie, formed a group called The Singing McEntires. They performed at rodeos, local fairs, and family gatherings, creating memories that would later inspire Reba to pursue a career in music.
Reba found joy in strumming the guitar, playing the piano, and feeling the applause of small-town audiences. Her mother’s simple praise—*“That was real good”—*was enough to make Reba believe that bigger opportunities might lie ahead.
A Chance Encounter That Changed Everything
In 1974, fate stepped in when Reba was invited to perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City. Among the spectators was country artist Red Steagall, who was immediately captivated by Reba’s powerful voice. After the performance, he approached her family, and Jackie, ever the dreamer, boldly asked him, “Can you help get my kids into the music business? While her siblings chose to focus on other pursuits, Reba embraced the opportunity. The following year, Steagall invited her to Nashville to record a demo tape. That tape caught the attention of PolyGram Records executives, who quickly offered Reba a contract. At just 20 years old, the ranch girl from Oklahoma was stepping into the world of professional music.
A Rocky Road to Success
Reba’s early career was far from glamorous. Her first singles made little impact, and the bustling city of Nashville felt worlds away from the simplicity of Chockie. Yet, Reba’s ranch-honed patience and determination helped her persevere.
Her breakthrough came in 1983 with “Can’t Even Get the Blues,” her first No. 1 hit. That moment marked the beginning of a steady climb toward stardom. Reba began earning accolades, including four consecutive CMA Female Vocalist of the Year awards.However, financial rewards were slow to follow. It wasn’t until 1988—over a decade into her career—that she received her first significant royalty check. But by then, Reba had already established herself as one of country music’s most promising stars.
Becoming a Country Music Icon
Reba’s relentless work ethic propelled her into a league of her own. With more than 20 No. 1 hits and over 90 million records sold, she became one of the best-selling female artists in country music history.
Her influence extended beyond music. Reba dazzled Broadway audiences in “Annie Get Your Gun” and brought her humor and charm to television with her self-titled sitcom, “Reba,” which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. She also ventured into business, opening Reba’s Place, a restaurant that honors her Oklahoma roots and her love for her hometown.
Heartbreak and Resilience
Reba’s journey has not been without its trials. In 1991, tragedy struck when a plane carrying seven members of her band and her tour manager crashed, leaving no survivors. The loss was devastating, but Reba poured her grief into her music, producing an album that reflected her pain and healing process.
Her personal life also faced upheaval. After 26 years of marriage to her manager, Narvel Blackstock, the couple divorced—a public split that deeply affected her. Yet, Reba’s ability to bounce back from life’s challenges remained a testament to her strength.
Today, she shares her life with actor Rex Linn, describing their relationship as a source of joy and stability.
Faith: The Anchor of Her Life
Faith has been a cornerstone of Reba’s journey. Introduced to spirituality by her maternal grandmother, Reba Smith, she grew up with a deep sense of connection to her Christian beliefs. Through every hardship, Reba has relied on her faith as a source of guidance and strength.
She often speaks about the importance of gratitude, loyalty, and accountability—values instilled in her by her family and reinforced by her spiritual convictions. Faith, for Reba, is not just a belief system but a way of navigating life’s highs and lows.
A Legacy That Inspires
Reba McEntire’s life is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the power of chasing dreams. From her humble beginnings as a ranch girl in Oklahoma to her reign as one of country music’s greatest legends, Reba has shown that success is possible when grit meets passion.
Her journey continues to inspire fans worldwide. Through her music, television appearances, and community efforts, Reba remains a shining example of what it means to stay grounded while reaching for the stars. Her story is a reminder that no matter how challenging the road, faith, family, and determination can take you anywhere.
