Reba McEntire, the legendary American country music singer, songwriter, producer, and actress, has built an impressive net worth of $95 million at the age of 69 (born in 1955). Often called the “Queen of Country,” Reba’s career spans decades, crossing boundaries between music, television, film, and even Broadway. From humble beginnings in Oklahoma to becoming a household name globally, Reba’s journey is a fascinating story of grit, talent, and reinvention.
How Did Reba McEntire’s Early Life Shape Her Career?
Born and raised in Kiowa, Oklahoma, Reba grew up in a family deeply rooted in the rodeo circuit. Music was in her blood early on, often performing at rodeos alongside her siblings. But Reba’s initial dream wasn’t stardom—it was teaching. She enrolled at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, intending to become an elementary school teacher. However, fate had other plans.
A turning point came during her sophomore year when she sang the National Anthem at the National Rodeo Finals in Oklahoma City. Her performance caught the attention of country music star Red Steagall, who saw her potential and helped her record a demo tape in Nashville. That demo led to a deal with Mercury Records, officially kickstarting Reba’s career in 1975.
Was Reba McEntire’s Rise to Fame Instant?
Not exactly. Reba’s debut single in 1976 only peaked at #88 on the Billboard country chart. Even her self-titled debut album in 1977 didn’t make waves commercially. But Reba didn’t give up. Persistence paid off with her second album, Out of a Dream, released in 1979, which included a successful cover of Patsy Cline’s “Sweet Dreams,” marking her first top 20 hit.
By the early 1980s, Reba’s music started gaining momentum. Her powerful vocals and relatable storytelling resonated with fans, and soon she became a staple on country charts. Reba’s sound evolved over the years, moving from traditional country roots to include more pop-country crossovers, which widened her fan base dramatically.
What Are Some of Reba McEntire’s Biggest Career Milestones?
Reba’s list of achievements is nothing short of extraordinary. She has released 16 #1 albums, more than any other female country artist to date, and has sold over 90 million records worldwide. Her hits in the 1980s and 1990s, including “How Blue,” “Somebody Should Leave,” “Does He Love You,” and “The Heart Won’t Lie,” dominated the charts and became classics.
Her accolades include multiple Grammy Awards, Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, and Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards. In 1998, she earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in 2006, she was inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame.
How Has Reba Expanded Beyond Music?
Reba didn’t limit herself to just music. In 1990, she stepped into Hollywood, making her acting debut in the cult classic movie Tremors. She later starred in the Broadway revival of Annie Get Your Gun, showcasing her versatility beyond the studio and stage.
Perhaps her most well-known acting venture is her self-titled sitcom, Reba, which ran from 2001 to 2007. The show was a hit, airing 127 episodes and earning her a Golden Globe nomination. Even after Reba ended, she continued acting, lending her voice to animated features and guest-starring on various shows. In 2023, she starred in Reba McEntire’s The Hammer, and she’s now set to coach on The Voice, bringing her full circle back to mentoring artists.
What About Reba McEntire’s Personal Life?
Reba’s personal life has seen its share of ups and downs. She was first married to steer wrestling champion Charlie Battles from 1976 to 1987. In 1989, she married her manager Narvel Blackstock, with whom she shares a son, Shelby Blackstock, now a professional race car driver. The marriage ended in divorce in 2015.
Through Narvel, she became stepmother to three children, including Brandon Blackstock, who was previously married to singer Kelly Clarkson. In recent years, Reba has been romantically linked to photographer Anthony “Skeeter” Lasuzzo and later, actor Rex Linn, with whom she is currently in a relationship.
How Has Real Estate Contributed to Reba’s Wealth?
Reba’s success in music and acting allowed her to invest smartly in real estate. In 2003, she and Narvel Blackstock purchased a lavish 2-acre estate in Beverly Hills for $9 million, later selling it for a whopping $22.5 million in 2015 amid their divorce.
They also owned the famous Starstruck Farm in Gallatin, Tennessee—an 80-acre property complete with a massive lakefront mansion, equestrian facilities, and tennis courts. The property eventually sold in 2017 for $5 million after being on the market for nearly a year.
What’s Next for Reba McEntire?
Reba McEntire remains a powerhouse in the entertainment world. Whether it’s releasing new music, acting, or mentoring young talent, she shows no signs of slowing down. With her upcoming stint on The Voice and ongoing music projects, Reba continues to influence both the country music scene and popular culture at large.
At nearly 70 years old, with a net worth of $95 million, Reba McEntire’s legacy is still growing—and her fans are here for it.
