Reba McEntire's Tragic Real-Life Story

From her humble beginnings in Oklahoma to becoming a country music icon, Reba McEntire's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Despite her fame and success, Reba's life has been marked by hardships, losses, and personal struggles that shaped her into the person she is today. Her story is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of dreams, no matter the obstacles faced along the way.

Since her early teens, Reba has been singing professionally, often alongside her siblings. However, what propelled her into the spotlight was her unique drive and determination. "There's a lot of people, a lot of girl singers, who are 10,000 times better than me," she once shared. "They don't have the drive. They don't have the work ethic. They don't have the want-to, and they don't love it as much as I do." This relentless passion has led her to overcome many challenges, including the tragic experiences that have colored her life.

Despite her cheerful demeanor on the red carpet, beneath that megawatt smile lies a story filled with trials. Reba has faced significant sacrifices throughout her career, leading to personal losses and heartache. Her journey reveals not just the glitz of fame but also the reality of perseverance and the strength required to navigate life's unpredictable path. Here, we delve into the various aspects of Reba McEntire's life, showcasing the triumphs and tragedies that have defined her.

Table of Contents

• Biography
• Reba McEntire Had to Fight for Attention
• Reba McEntire Dealt with a 'Cruel' Father
• Reba McEntire's Career Came First, So Love Had to Wait
• This Divorcee Received Major Backlash
• Reba McEntire Endured a Tragic Loss
• Blindsided by Divorce
• Was Reba McEntire's Husband Unfaithful?
• Is Reba McEntire Trapped in the Country Scene?
• A Family Divided

Biography

Reba McEntire Had to Fight for Attention

Growing up as the third of four kids in Chockie, Oklahoma, Reba often felt overshadowed by her siblings. As a middle child, she had to consistently fight for attention, which became a defining aspect of her early life. At just five years old, she discovered her unique talent for singing, which she described as the "best attention" she ever received.

Reba and her siblings initially sang for enjoyment, but as she matured, her passion for music intensified. It wasn’t until she was a sophomore in college that her talent caught the eye of industry professionals while performing the national anthem at a rodeo. Despite her breakthrough, Reba faced an uphill battle in gaining recognition in the music industry, with her first No. 1 hit arriving a staggering seven years after signing her recording contract.

Reba McEntire Dealt with a 'Cruel' Father

Reba's father, Clark McEntire, was a renowned steer roper and was known for his tough demeanor. He was not one to express affection openly, which left a lasting impact on Reba and her siblings. Clark's approach to parenting was often described as "cruel" by those who knew him, but it also instilled a certain resilience in his children.

One significant moment in Reba's life occurred when her father questioned her choice of hobbies, pushing her to focus on singing instead. This tough love, while harsh, ultimately guided her toward her true calling. Reflecting on her father's ways, Reba has expressed a desire to approach parenting differently with her own son, emphasizing the importance of encouragement and support.

Reba McEntire's Career Came First, So Love Had to Wait

In 1975, Reba met Charlie Battles, who would become her first husband, while her career was just beginning to take shape. Battles was a former world-champion steer wrestler, and their marriage marked a significant turning point in her life. However, as Reba's career started to soar in the 1980s, tensions arose in their relationship.

While Battles supported Reba's career initially, he later encouraged her to slow down. This led to Reba realizing that her commitment to her musical career came at the expense of her marriage. She candidly admitted that she chose her career over love, highlighting the sacrifices she made for her passion.

This Divorcee Received Major Backlash

After a lengthy marriage to Battles, Reba filed for divorce in 1987, which brought her considerable public scrutiny. Her decision to end the marriage was met with harsh judgment, as many fans struggled to reconcile her personal life with the wholesome image she had built in her career. This backlash was particularly challenging for Reba, who had always been open about her life.

Reba found love again with Narvel Blackstock, a guitarist in her band, but the relationship also drew criticism due to the nature of her previous divorce. Despite the challenges, she remained focused on her career, showcasing her resilience in the face of public opinion.

Reba McEntire Endured a Tragic Loss

In 1991, tragedy struck when Reba lost several members of her band in a plane crash. The event was devastating, as it claimed the lives of ten individuals, including her road manager and long-time friends. This loss deeply affected Reba, who described them as family, and the aftermath was emotionally challenging.

Yet, even in the midst of grief, Reba showed remarkable strength by returning to the stage shortly after the tragedy. She recognized that continuing to perform was essential for her healing process, as it provided a sense of purpose amidst the heartache.

Blindsided by Divorce

Reba's marriage to Narvel Blackstock lasted for over 25 years but came to a surprising end in 2015 when he filed for divorce. This unexpected turn left Reba heartbroken, as she had not anticipated the split. She expressed feelings of betrayal, as this was not something she wanted.

Following the divorce, Reba took control of her career by stepping away from Blackstock's management and establishing her own business. Her resilience in managing the transition demonstrated her strength and determination to move forward.

Was Reba McEntire's Husband Unfaithful?

Following her divorce from Blackstock, rumors surfaced regarding his new relationship with Laura Putty Stroud, who was a mutual friend. This revelation added to the emotional turmoil for Reba, who had to navigate the complexities of their shared social circles. Despite the gossip, she maintained her professionalism and continued to focus on her career.

Reba's ability to remain composed in the face of adversity speaks volumes about her character. She has shown that, even amidst personal challenges, one can rise and continue to pursue their passions.

Is Reba McEntire Trapped in the Country Scene?

Reba has often faced criticism for exploring genres outside of country music. She has ventured into pop and blues, which some fans interpreted as abandoning her roots. However, Reba firmly believes in her musical identity, stating, "I don't sing country songs, I don't sing pop, I sing Reba songs."

This determination to evolve as an artist while staying true to herself showcases her creativity and willingness to explore new avenues in her career. Her resilience against criticism highlights her commitment to artistry and personal growth.

A Family Divided

Reba's relationship with fellow musician Kelly