Reba McEntire looks back on her “mind-boggling” 50 years in country music and shares her favorite song to perform live.
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“Very grateful, very thankful,” she expresses, reflecting on her feelings about reaching this significant career milestone.
Reba McEntire is reflecting on five decades of artistic success with a smile.
The 69-year-old singer, actress, and businesswoman tells PEOPLE that the idea of celebrating 50 years in the music industry is “mind-boggling,” especially since she never imagined she’d reach this milestone.
“Very grateful, very thankful,” she expresses, sharing her feelings about the significant achievement. “I never thought that at my 20th anniversary, I’d be celebrating this one. But I owe a lot to those who came before me—Tammy [Wynette], Dolly [Parton], Loretta [Lynn]—who paved the way for female artists like me and the ones coming after. It’s been a wonderful journey.”
In addition to honoring the influential women in country music, McEntire also expressed her gratitude to a higher power, saying, “God gave me a gift, and I try to use it, giving him all the praise and glory. Without him, I wouldn’t have had this gift, and it could have been given to someone else. So, I strive to make him proud.”
McEntire’s rise in the music industry began when country star Red Steagall noticed her singing the national anthem at the 1974 National Finals Rodeo. Steagall helped her record a demo, which ultimately led to her signing with Mercury Records.
In the 50 years since that serendipitous moment, the celebrated country legend has released 32 studio albums, 26 compilation albums, two live albums, and three EPs. She has also built a successful television career and earned numerous accolades, including 16 ACM Awards, 15 American Music Awards, nine People’s Choice Awards, six CMA Awards, and three Grammy Awards. McEntire will be hosting the ACM Awards once again later this week.
Despite decades of performing and recording, McEntire continues to stay creatively active, regularly releasing albums and maintaining a demanding touring schedule. Among her vast catalog, however, there’s one song she never grows tired of performing: “Fancy.”