Here's Why Reba McEntire Almost Quit Music

Hailed as the "Queen of Country Music," Reba McEntire almost decided to quit music back then. Thankfully, she was convinced by her sisters to not give up.

Now, Reba McEntire replaced Blake Shelton on NBC's "The Voice" as a coach and is picking out young talents to mold into future best-selling artists!

Why Did Reba McEntire Almost Quit Music?

According to an interview with Today with Hoda and Jenna, Reba McEntire almost quit making music back then during the time of her mother's death in 2020.

Reba's mother, Jacqueline Smith, died in 2020 because of cancer. As they go through old family photos, the "I'm a Survivor" singer recalled a particularly emotional moment she shared with her sister Susie at the time of their mother's death. (via Billboard)

"I said, 'I just don't think I'm going to do this anymore," she remembers saying. "I always did it for Mama," she remembered. "Oh, you'll get it back," her sister told her. As they go through the photos, Reba is almost at a loss for words. "I can't talk if I see Mama."

Back then, Reba thought that when one got a record on the radio, they would automatically be rich. However, that doesn't seem to be the case.

How Did Reba McEntire's Mother Helped Her?

Unbeknownst to many, Reba McEntire's mother, Jacqueline, was one of her earliest inspirations in music. Aspiring to become a country music singer, her mother settled to become a school teacher, but it did not stop her from teaching her children music.

Jacqueline was also instrumental in Reba's big break as Jacqueline had asked Red Stegall to take on Reba for a recording contract in Nashville. At the time, Reba was very skeptical on going to Nashville to record, but her mother had given her extreme support and validation.

"Now Reba, let me tell you something. If you don't want to go to Nashville, we don't have to do this. But I'm living all my dreams through you," her mother told her, which ultimately pushed her to pursue a professional career in country music.

Fast forward to today, Reba McEntire is one of the hallmarks of country music.

Recalling her mother's memories to Today, Reba said that in whatever they wanted to do, her mother had been there.

"She taught us harmony. She encouraged us, we were The Singing McEntires when we were in high school, junior high," she fondly said.

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