The ranch life that fueled Reba McEntire’s rise to fame
Reba McEntire, now 69, has been a country music legend for decades. Born in 1955 in McAlester, Oklahoma, Reba grew up working on her family’s 8,000-acre ranch, where she developed a strong work ethic. Despite her hard childhood, she found solace in music, inspired by her mother, who had once dreamed of being a singer.
Reba’s big break came in 1974 when she sang the national anthem at the National Finals Rodeo, leading to a career-changing moment. By 1975, she moved to Nashville, recording a demo that led to a record deal. After a slow start, her career skyrocketed in the 1980s, with major hits and Grammy wins. She also faced personal tragedy, losing eight band members in a plane crash in 1991, but her career continued to thrive.
Reba has also excelled in acting, business, and philanthropy. In 2023, she opened Reba’s Place in her hometown, giving back to the community. A full-circle moment came when she performed the national anthem at Super Bowl LVIII in 2024, reminding us of her incredible journey from a small rodeo to international fame. Reba’s story proves that with passion and hard work, anything is possible.
