Reba McEntire shares her ‘amazing’ 50-year country music career, reveals untold stories about her journey and the song that brings the most joy to perform live.

Reba McEntire Marks an Unbelievable Milestone in Country Music as She Celebrates 50 Years in the Spotlight — With Candid Reflections on Her Iconic Career and the Song That Continues to Capture Her Heart on Stage

For five decades, Reba McEntire has been a driving force in country music, shaping the genre with her unmistakable voice, legendary performances, and unparalleled charisma. As she marks the 50th anniversary of her remarkable career, McEntire can hardly believe the monumental journey she has been on. “It’s mind-boggling,” she admits, still awestruck by the success she’s achieved and the immense impact she’s had on both fans and fellow artists.

The iconic country queen’s rise to stardom was far from instantaneous. Reba’s journey started humbly in the small town of Kiowa, Oklahoma, where she grew up singing in church and at local events. But it wasn’t until she moved to Nashville that her dreams of making it big began to take shape. With a voice that could melt the hardest of hearts, she soon caught the attention of record labels, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Now, at 68, Reba reflects on her astonishing 50-year career, filled with highs and lows, triumphs and heartbreaks. Her candid reflection on how far she’s come reveals an artist who has never taken her success for granted, constantly pushing boundaries and reinventing herself to stay relevant in the ever-evolving music industry.

For many, Reba McEntire is synonymous with timeless hits like “Fancy,” “Does He Love You,” and “I’m a Survivor,” but it’s not just the chart-topping singles that have made her a legend. It’s her unmatched ability to connect with her audience, to share pieces of herself through every lyric, every note, and every performance.

One of the things that stands out the most for Reba, however, is not the success or the accolades, but the deep connection she shares with her fans. “The fans are everything,” she says, her voice soft but filled with warmth. “Without them, I wouldn’t be standing here today. The love I receive every time I step onto that stage is overwhelming and humbling. It’s that energy, that feeling, that keeps me going.”

Throughout her career, Reba has earned numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammys, ACM Awards, and CMAs. Yet, despite her decorated career, she remains deeply grounded. “It’s not the awards that matter most to me,” she explains. “What truly matters is the impact I’ve had on people. If I can inspire someone or make them feel something with my music, then that’s the greatest achievement of all.”

But it’s not all roses and sunshine. In an industry often criticized for its treatment of women, Reba has had to fight for her place, sometimes facing backlash and criticism for her choices. Yet, rather than shy away from the challenges, she embraced them. She credits much of her resilience to the incredible support system she’s had over the years, especially from her family and close friends.

In addition to her illustrious singing career, Reba has also ventured into acting, starring in her own TV sitcom, “Reba,” which became a cultural phenomenon. But even with such a busy career, Reba remains passionate about her first love: music.

As she looks back at her incredible 50 years in the country music industry, McEntire reflects on the moment that stands out the most—when she first performed live. “It was nerve-wracking, but exhilarating,” she recalls. “The first time I stepped onto that stage and heard the crowd’s reaction, I knew this was where I was meant to be. There’s no feeling like it, no rush like it.”

However, there’s one song that stands out among the many she’s performed over the years. “If I had to pick one song that brings me the most joy to perform live, it would be ‘Fancy,’” she confesses. “The energy the crowd gives back when I sing that song is incredible. It’s like we’re all sharing this beautiful moment together.”

Released in 1990, “Fancy” quickly became one of Reba’s signature songs. The song tells the story of a young woman overcoming adversity and rising to fame, a narrative that mirrors Reba’s own rise to the top. The song’s powerful message of resilience, strength, and survival continues to resonate with fans, and it’s clear that, for Reba, performing it live still holds a special place in her heart.

In fact, Reba has performed “Fancy” countless times over the years, but each time feels like a new experience. “It never gets old,” she says. “Every time I sing it, I feel like I’m telling my story all over again. It’s a reminder of how far I’ve come and how much I’ve overcome. It’s my anthem.”

Despite her tremendous success, Reba remains deeply humble, constantly acknowledging the people who helped her along the way—her band, her team, her family, and, of course, her fans. “I’m just so grateful for all the love and support,” she says with a smile. “I feel blessed every single day to do what I love.”

As Reba celebrates her 50th anniversary in the country music scene, she reflects on the incredible journey that has brought her here, from a young girl with big dreams in Oklahoma to one of the most influential artists in country music history. Her legacy is secure, but she’s far from done. “I’m not slowing down,” she laughs. “I’ve got so much more to give. This is just the beginning.”