Reba McEntire, born Reba Nell McEntire on March 28, 1955, in McAlester, Oklahoma, is a celebrated American country music singer and actress, often referred to as "The Queen of Country." With a remarkable career spanning several decades, she has sold over 75 million records worldwide and has placed more than 100 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, with 25 of those reaching the coveted number-one position. McEntire's influence extends beyond music; she has also made a significant mark in television and film, showcasing her versatility as an entertainer.

Growing up in a family of four children, McEntire was surrounded by music from an early age. Alongside her mother, Jacqueline McEntire, and her siblings, she formed the Singing McEntires, a group that performed at local events and recorded for a small label. Initially, she pursued education as a career and attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University, where she studied to become a public-school teacher. However, her singing talent caught the attention of country performer Red Steagall at a rodeo event, leading him to help her secure a recording contract with PolyGram/Mercury Records in 1975.

McEntire's early career faced several challenges, as her initial releases garnered limited success. However, in the early 1980s, she began to find her footing with a string of top-10 hits, including "(You Lift Me) Up to Heaven" and "I'm Not That Lonely Yet." Her breakthrough came in 1984 when she signed with MCA Records, releasing the album My Kind of Country, which introduced a traditional sound that resonated with fans. The album produced two number-one singles and set the stage for further success throughout the 1980s, resulting in numerous hits such as "One Promise Too Late" and "Whoever's in New England," the latter earning her a Grammy Award.

Tragedy struck in 1991 when McEntire lost eight of her band members in a plane crash, a devastating event that inspired her critically acclaimed album For My Broken Heart, which became her highest-selling album. The following years saw her continue to thrive in the country music scene with successful albums like Read My Mind (1994) and If You See Him (1998), featuring memorable songs such as "The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter" and the duet "If You See Him/If You See Her" with Brooks and Dunn.

In addition to her music career, McEntire ventured into acting, making her film debut in Tremors in 1990. She starred in the Broadway musical Annie Get Your Gun in 2001 and headlined her own sitcom, Reba, which aired for six seasons. More recently, she has made guest appearances on shows like Young Sheldon, had a main role in the third season of Big Sky, and has served as a coach on the reality competition show The Voice since 2023. Currently, she stars in the NBC sitcom Happy's Place.

Throughout her illustrious career, Reba McEntire has not only garnered numerous accolades, including multiple CMA and ACM Awards, but she has also established herself as a businesswoman with ventures that include a restaurant and a clothing line. McEntire's enduring influence on country music and popular culture continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike.