Reba McEntire turned 70 in March 2025, which means she is currently 70 years old, with her 71st birthday approaching on March 28, 2026. Across more than five decades in country music, she has sold over 75 million records worldwide, earned multiple Grammy Awards, and built a career that shows no signs of slowing down. Whether you know her from her chart-topping hits, her hit TV show, or her reputation as one of country music’s most beloved figures, her story is rooted in a small Oklahoma ranch that shaped everything that followed.

Born: March 28, 1955 · Age: 70 (turning 71 in 2026) · Birthplace: McAlester, Oklahoma, U.S. · Biological Children: 1 · Marriages: 2

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Born March 28, 1955 in McAlester, Oklahoma (MCA Records)
  • Known as “The Queen of Country” (Wikipedia)
  • Sold more than 75 million records worldwide (Wikipedia)
2What’s unclear
  • Precise details around the 1991 plane crash tragedy
  • Current relationship status and dating rumors
  • Exact net worth figures vary across sources
3Timeline signal
  • National Anthem debut: December 10, 1974 (MCA Records)
  • Signed first record deal: November 1975 (MCA Records)
  • Mother Jacqueline died: March 14, 2020 (MCA Records)
4What’s next
  • Approaching 71st birthday on March 28, 2026 (MCA Records)
  • Continued performances and potential new music (MCA Records)
  • Active presence in the country music industry (MCA Records)
Six key facts about Reba McEntire’s life and career
Fact Detail
Born March 28, 1955 (age 70, turning 71 in 2026)
Birthplace McAlester, Oklahoma, U.S.
Known As The Queen of Country
Biological Children 1 (Shelby Blackstock)
Height 5’7″ (170 cm)
Grammy Awards 1987, 1994, 2018

How old is Reba McEntire?

Reba McEntire was born on March 28, 1955, making her 70 years old as of January 2026 (MCA Records). She will turn 71 on March 28, 2026. Her full name is Reba Nell McEntire, and she was the third of four children born to Clark Vincent McEntire and Jacqueline Smith McEntire.

She was raised on an 8,000-acre cattle ranch in Chockie, Oklahoma, and her family background is deeply rooted in rodeo culture. Her parents were champion steer ropers, which meant Reba grew up immersed in the Western lifestyle that would later influence her music (Country Music Hall of Fame). Growing up on that ranch shaped both her character and her career trajectory in ways that continue to resonate with fans today.

When is Reba McEntire’s birthday?

Reba McEntire’s birthday is March 28, 1955. As an Aries, her zodiac sign is associated with traits like determination and confidence—characteristics that have defined her five-decade career. She celebrated her 70th birthday in March 2025 and will mark her 71st year on March 28, 2026.

Where is Reba McEntire from?

Reba McEntire is from McAlester, Oklahoma, where she was born and raised on a cattle ranch. She currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee, the heart of country music, where she has built much of her professional career. Her Oklahoma roots remain central to her identity and are often referenced in her music and public appearances.

How tall is Reba McEntire?

Reba McEntire stands at 5’7″ (170 cm) tall. She has red hair and blue eyes, distinctive features that have become part of her signature public image over the years.

Bottom line: Reba McEntire is 70 years old as of January 2026 and will turn 71 on March 28, 2026. She was born in McAlester, Oklahoma, on March 28, 1955, and has maintained her connection to her ranch roots throughout her career.

What tragedy happened to Reba McEntire?

Reba McEntire experienced one of the most devastating tragedies of her life on March 16, 1991, when a plane crash killed seven members of her band—the McEntire Group—while they were traveling to a concert in San Diego. Among those killed were her bandleader, tour manager, and several musicians who had been with her for years.

The accident deeply affected McEntire and reshaped how she approached her career and personal life. She took a break from touring after the tragedy and later wrote about the experience, using music as a way to process her grief.

What is the tragedy of Reba McEntire?

Beyond the 1991 plane crash, Reba also lost her mother, Jacqueline Smith McEntire, who died on March 14, 2020, at age 93. Reba shared news of her mother’s passing on social media, describing Jacqueline as a “faithful woman of God” who was “loved and will be deeply missed.”

What tragedy happened to Reba?

The 1991 plane crash remains the most widely discussed tragedy in Reba’s career. The accident occurred near Thunderbolt Airport in Friona, Texas, when the band’s plane encountered severe weather conditions. The National Transportation Safety Board attributed the crash to pilot error and adverse weather.

Bottom line: Reba McEntire has endured significant tragedy, most notably the 1991 plane crash that killed seven band members and the 2020 death of her mother. Both events have shaped her resilience and influence her work to this day.

How many biological children does Reba McEntire have?

Reba McEntire has one biological child: Shelby Steven McEntire Blackstock, born on February 23, 1990. Shelby is now 35 years old as of 2025 and has pursued his own career in music, working as a songwriter and musician.

Shelby’s father is Reba’s second ex-husband, Narvel Blackstock, who was married to Reba from 1989 to 2015. Following their divorce, Reba retained custody of Shelby.

Family milestone

Shelby Blackstock was born February 23, 1990, making him 35 years old in 2025. He has followed in his mother’s musical footsteps while building his own identity as a songwriter.

How many times has Reba McEntire been married?

Reba McEntire has been married twice. Her first marriage was to Charlie Battles from 1976 to 1987. She later married Narvel Blackstock in 1989, and they divorced in 2015 after 26 years together.

Following her divorce from Narvel Blackstock, Reba became engaged to actor Rex Linn, though she has maintained a relatively private personal life in recent years.

Is Reba McEntire married?

As of 2025, Reba McEntire is not married. She was previously engaged to Rex Linn, but there have been no recent updates confirming whether the engagement is still active. Reba has spoken publicly about valuing her independence and focusing on her career and family following her divorces.

How many husbands has Reba had?

Reba McEntire has had two husbands: Charlie Battles (1976–1987) and Narvel Blackstock (1989–2015). Her marriage to Narvel Blackstock produced her only child, Shelby Blackstock.

Relationship history

Reba’s two marriages span nearly four decades of her adult life. Her relationship with Rex Linn has been described as a long-distance engagement, with both maintaining separate homes and careers.

Who is Reba’s best friend in real life?

Reba McEntire’s most prominent real-life friendship is with actress Melissa Peterman, her co-star from the TV show “Reba.” The two became close during the show’s run from 2005 to 2007 and have maintained their friendship in the years since, often appearing together at events and supporting each other’s projects.

Reba has also cultivated friendships within the country music industry, including connections with Dolly Parton, though the exact nature of their relationship has sometimes been exaggerated by media reports.

Do Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire still get along?

Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire maintain a friendly relationship that began during their time working together on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” and through Reba’s occasional guest appearances. Clarkson has referred to Reba as a mentor figure in the industry and has publicly expressed admiration for her career longevity.

How is Reba McEntire related to Dolly Parton?

Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton are not biologically related. Both are iconic figures in country music and have been associated through industry connections, but claims of a close personal relationship between them are sometimes exaggerated by tabloids. They share mutual respect as two of country music’s most enduring artists.

Bottom line: Reba’s closest friendship appears to be with Melissa Peterman, while her relationship with Dolly Parton is more of a professional association than a close personal bond. Her friendship with Kelly Clarkson reflects mutual industry respect.

Timeline of key milestones

  • — Reba McEntire born in McAlester, Oklahoma
  • — Sang National Anthem at National Rodeo Finals
  • — Recorded demos in Nashville during spring break
  • — Signed with Polygram Mercury Records
  • — Married Charlie Battles
  • — Marriage to Charlie Battles ended
  • — Married Narvel Blackstock
  • — Son Shelby Blackstock born
  • — Plane crash tragedy kills seven band members
  • — Divorce from Narvel Blackstock finalized
  • — Mother Jacqueline Smith McEntire died at age 93

Clarity on facts and rumors

Confirmed facts

  • Birth date March 28, 1955
  • Born in McAlester, Oklahoma
  • One biological child: Shelby Blackstock
  • Two marriages (Battles and Blackstock)
  • 1991 plane crash killed seven band members
  • Mother died March 14, 2020
  • Country Music Hall of Fame inductee
  • Grammy winner (1987, 1994, 2018)
  • Sold more than 75 million records worldwide
  • Known as “The Queen of Country”

What’s unclear or varies

  • Precise details and aftermath of 1991 plane crash
  • Current status of Rex Linn engagement
  • Exact current net worth figures
  • Height variations across sources (5’5″ to 5’7″ reported)
  • Nature of Dolly Parton relationship
  • Father Clark McEntire’s exact dates

What people have said

Dubbed ‘The Queen of Country’, she has sold more than 75 million records worldwide.

— Wikipedia Editors (Wikipedia)

Reba Nell McEntire was born on March 28, 1955, in McAlester, Okla., to Clark Vincent and Jacqueline Smith McEntire.

— MCA Records (MCA Records official bio)

The McEntire family were champion steer ropers.

— Biography.com (Biography.com)

For country music fans and industry observers, Reba McEntire represents a bridge between traditional roots and modern success. At 70 years old and approaching 71 in March 2026, she remains one of the genre’s most recognizable figures—someone who built her career on authenticity, resilience, and an uncanny ability to reinvent herself across five decades. Her continued relevance in a genre that constantly evolves is a testament to both her talent and her work ethic.

Related reading: Guy Fieri New Look – 58th Birthday Style Shift

McEntire recently returned to network sitcoms leading the cast of Happy’s Place as Bobbie, inheriting a Knoxville tavern.

Frequently asked questions

Is Reba McEntire still alive?

Yes, Reba McEntire is alive and active as of 2026. She was born March 28, 1955, making her 70 years old in January 2026 and turning 71 that March.

Who was the love of Reba’s life?

Reba has not publicly identified a single “love of her life,” but her longest marriage was to Narvel Blackstock (1989–2015), with whom she had her son Shelby. She was later engaged to actor Rex Linn.

How tall is Reba McEntire?

Reba McEntire stands 5’7″ (170 cm) tall according to multiple sources, though some outlets have reported slightly different measurements.

How is Reba McEntire related to Dolly Parton?

Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton are not biologically related. Both are country music icons who have intersecting careers, but claims of a close personal relationship are sometimes exaggerated by tabloids.

What tragedy happened to Reba?

The most significant tragedy in Reba’s life was the March 1991 plane crash that killed seven members of her band. She also lost her mother, Jacqueline, in March 2020.

Do Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire still get along?

Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire maintain a friendly relationship. Clarkson has publicly expressed admiration for McEntire and refers to her as a mentor figure in country music.

Where is Reba McEntire from?

Reba McEntire was born and raised in McAlester, Oklahoma, on an 8,000-acre cattle ranch. She currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee.