A Humble Heart Behind the Spotlight — What the Queen of Country Really Thinks About the Title
For decades, Reba McEntire has been hailed as a trailblazer, a powerhouse, and most commonly — an icon. Her unmistakable voice, fiery red hair, and no-nonsense grit have made her one of the most enduring and beloved figures in country music history. But when you ask Reba what she thinks of that title?
She blushes. She hesitates. And then she tells the truth.
“I’ve never really been comfortable with the word ‘icon,’” Reba admitted during a recent interview. “It feels… too big. Too polished. I’m just Reba. I still wash dishes. I still feed the horses. I still cry when things hurt.”
That blend of humility and heart is exactly what makes her legendary — even if she doesn’t see it herself.
Born in McAlester, Oklahoma in 1955, Reba was raised on rodeos, hard work, and country gospel. Long before the sold-out tours and gold records, she was just a girl with a strong voice and a stronger will. She didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming an icon — she dreamed of making a difference. One song at a time.
And that’s what she’s done. With over 100 singles on the Billboard charts, 30+ studio albums, multiple CMA and ACM awards, and a career spanning more than five decades, Reba has not only shaped the sound of modern country — she’s defined it.
But titles? Accolades?
“Those are sweet,” she says. “I’m grateful for every one of them. But at the end of the day, I want to be remembered as someone who made people feel something. Who helped someone through a hard day. That matters more to me than the word ‘icon’ ever will.”
Reba’s journey hasn’t been without pain. From the tragic 1991 plane crash that killed members of her band, to heartbreaks, divorces, and the pressure of carrying her career through changing times, she has weathered storms with grace and grit — always returning to her roots: music, faith, and family.
“I’ve fallen flat on my face more times than I can count,” she laughed. “But you stand up. You dust off. You keep going.”
Now in her late 60s, with a renewed sense of joy and love in her life thanks to actor Rex Linn, Reba is not slowing down. She’s touring, recording, mentoring, and still speaking to hearts — both young and old — with a voice that’s as powerful as ever.
So, is she an icon?
To millions — yes.
But to Reba McEntire?
“I’m just a redhead from Oklahoma who loves to sing. If that makes me an icon in somebody’s heart, I’ll take it — but I’ll still show up the same way I always have. Boots on. Ready to work. And thankful.”
And maybe that’s the most iconic thing about her of all.
