Reba McEntire, a country music legend, has undoubtedly made a lasting impression on the music industry
She is one of the best-selling artists of all time and has also proven herself as a record producer and actress. However, behind the glamour and success lies a story of pain and loss. Reba has experienced some devastating losses throughout her life, including the death of her father and mother, and her divorce from her husband, Narvel Blackstock.
Reba McEntire’s success in country music dates back to the late 1970s and early 1980s. She was named “best singer” four years in a row by the Country Music Association and has also been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Despite her brilliant career and the millions she has earned from it, life has not always been easy for Reba.
In 2014, Reba’s father, Clark McEntire, passed away, which turned her life upside down. Clark McEntire was a three-time World Champion steer roper, and he meant a lot to Reba, not just during her childhood but also throughout her career. In fact, to show her appreciation for him, Reba released the song “Daddy” in 1979, the same year her dad was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.
In her 2015 album Love Somebody, Reba dedicated the ballad “Just Like Them Horses” to her late father. She also revealed that she performed the song at his funeral. Unfortunately, Reba was forced to say goodbye to her beloved mother as well, only a few years after her father’s passing. In March 2020, Reba’s mother Jacqueline lost her battle with cancer and died at the age of 93.
Jacqueline McEntire always held the dream of becoming a professional country singer. In her youth, she was even compared to Patsy Cline, the iconic female country singer. “People’ve said she was as good as Patsy, but she didn’t have the breaks – no one to help her. No way to Nashville. Instead, Mama began teachin’ school at 16, got married and settled down on the ranch. Took care of us kuds, thaught us music. We used to sin together as a family,” Reba told Longview News-Journal in 1984.
Despite the devastating losses of her father and mother, Reba has always turned to faith to help cope with her grief. She made no exception when her mother died.
“I probably would have lost my mind if it hadn’t been for God,” she said.
“He said, ‘Nope, pick up your stuff and we’re gonna go on.’ Sometimes he has to jerk your chain to get your attention, and if it is to take you to the bottom … to where you cry out, ‘Lord, please help; I need your help’ … then he’s got his point across. I’m pretty sure that’s what he did with me,” she told Tennessean.
In 2015, Reba suffered another type of blow that also broke her heart. After 26 years of marriage, Reba and her husband, Narvel Blackstock, announced that they would be going their separate ways. The couple met back in 1989, when Blackstock played steel guitar player in her band. After a whirlwind romance, Reba and Blackstock tied the knot on a boat at Lake Tahoe.
Their relationship developed into a business partnership as they formed Starstruck Entertainment. The company was created to help manage Reba’s career, but after a while, Blackstock also started producing songs and award-winning hits for his wife.
Reba’s father passed away in 2014, which was a significant loss for her. Then, in 2015, she and her longtime partner and manager, Narvel Blackstock, got divorced. Reba did not reveal the reason behind their split, but she shared her personal struggle and the difficulty of taking over her business projects after her manager, CEO, and husband had left her.
Reba’s faith in God helped her deal with her heartache and sorrow, and she turned to Him to guide her through the tough times. Reba also found love again and started dating former businessman and wildlife photographer, Anthony “Skeeter” Lasuzzo, in 2017. Unfortunately, the couple broke up after two years together. However, Reba found love again during the COVID-19 pandemic and started dating actor Rex Linn, whom she met through FaceTime.
Reba and Rex fell in love in the fall of 2020, and as of 2021, Reba is looking forward to what the future may bring. Despite the challenging moments she has faced, Reba’s music and grace have won the hearts of many. She has always been a source of inspiration and hope, and her story of overcoming personal struggles is a testament to her resilience and faith in God. Reba’s fans love and support her, and we wish her all the happiness and love she deserves.
