Reba McEntire: A Country Legend's Journey

How Much Is Reba McEntire Worth?

Reba McEntire, the queen of country music, has built an impressive empire over her decades-long career. With a staggering net worth of $95 million, she's not just one of the richest singers in the world but also a powerhouse in the entertainment industry. Selling more than 90 million records globally, Reba's influence stretches far beyond the world of music. She's starred in numerous films, headlined her own hit TV show, "Reba," which aired from 2001 to 2007, and continues to break records with her music. With 16 number-one albums under her belt—more than any other female country artist—her legacy is undeniable.

But let’s rewind for a moment. Reba didn't just wake up famous. Born into a rodeo family, she discovered her love for music early on. In 1975, her life changed forever when a music executive at a rodeo event heard her sing the National Anthem. That moment landed her a deal with Mercury Records, and the rest, as they say, is history. Over the years, Reba's music evolved, blending traditional country roots with pop influences, making her appeal universal. And let’s not forget the awards—Grammys, CMAs, ACMs—you name it, she’s won it.

Early Beginnings: From Rodeo to Stardom

Reba Nell McEntire was born on March 28, 1955, in Kiowa, Oklahoma, into a family deeply connected to the rodeo circuit. As a teenager, she wasn't just watching the action from the stands; she was performing on it. Her journey into music began when she attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University, where she initially planned to become an elementary school teacher. But life had other plans. While still in school, Reba found herself singing at local venues, honing her craft and building her confidence.

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Her big break came during her sophomore year when she performed the National Anthem at the National Rodeo in Oklahoma City. That night, she caught the attention of country legend Red Steagall, who was so impressed by her voice that he brought her to Nashville. By 1977, Reba had recorded a demo tape that led to her signing with Mercury Records. Even though her first single didn’t make much of a splash, reaching only #88 on the Billboard country chart, it was just the beginning. Her self-titled debut album followed in August 1977, and though it wasn’t a commercial success, her second album, "Out of a Dream," featuring a cover of Patsy Cline's "Sweet Dreams," became a top 20 hit.

Rising to the Top: Reba's Breakthrough

The 1980s marked the start of Reba's meteoric rise to fame. She began crossing over from country to pop, releasing a string of number-one singles that dominated the charts throughout the '80s and '90s. Songs like "How Blue," "Somebody Should Leave," "New Fool at an Old Game," "I Know How He Feels," "The Heart Won't Lie," "Does He Love You," "Till You Love Me," and "The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter" became anthems for fans across the globe. By the mid-1980s, every album Reba released was going multi-platinum.

Her 1993 greatest hits compilation album alone sold over 5 million copies, cementing her status as a music icon. Over the years, she's accumulated an impressive 90 awards and been nominated for nearly 200. 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. Reba's not just a singer; she's a legend who continues to inspire new generations of artists.

Acting Ventures: Beyond the Mic

Reba's talents extend far beyond music. In 1990, she dipped her toes into acting with the cult classic film "Tremors." From there, she went on to star in the Broadway revival of "Annie Get Your Gun," showcasing her versatility as a performer. But her biggest acting role came in 2001 when "Reba," her self-titled sitcom, premiered on The WB network. The show ran for six seasons and aired 127 episodes before wrapping up on The CW in 2007. Reba's performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy.

Since then, Reba has continued to explore acting opportunities. She's lent her voice to various projects and made memorable cameos on talent shows and films. In 2023, she took on the role of Judge Kim Wheeler in "Reba McEntire's The Hammer," and she's set to join "The Voice" as a coach, proving that her star power hasn't dimmed one bit.

Personal Life: Love and Family

Reba's personal life has been as eventful as her career. She's been married twice. Her first marriage was to steer wrestling champion Charlie Battles, which lasted from 1976 to 1987. In 1989, she married her manager, Narvel Blackstock, with whom she had a son, Shelby Blackstock, born in 1990. Shelby followed in his parents' footsteps, becoming a race car driver. Through Narvel, Reba also became stepmother to his three children: Chassida, Shawna, and Brandon Blackstock. Brandon, interestingly enough, was once married to fellow singer Kelly Clarkson.

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Reba and Narvel's marriage ended in divorce in 2015 after nearly 26 years together. After their split, Reba briefly dated photographer Anthony "Skeeter" Lasuzzo but separated in 2019. In 2020, she began a relationship with actor Rex Linn, adding another chapter to her love story.

Real Estate: Homes Fit for a Queen

Reba's real estate portfolio reflects her success and taste for luxury. In 2003, she and Narvel purchased a 2-acre property in Beverly Hills for $9 million. The property featured a stunning 9,000-square-foot mansion. When they divorced in 2015, they sold the estate for a cool $22.5 million. The couple also owned Starstruck Farm, an 80-acre spread in Gallatin, Tennessee, about 30 minutes northeast of Nashville. The farm boasted a 12,800-square-foot lakefront house, a large pool, a pool house, equestrian facilities, and even tennis courts.

In September 2016, they listed the Tennessee property for $7.9 million, but it sat on the market for a while before finally selling in July 2017 for $5 million to a developer. It's clear that Reba's success has allowed her to live a life of luxury, and her properties are a testament to her hard work and dedication to her craft.