Reba McEntire has been one of the top female country stars since the ’80s, but she realizes she wouldn’t be anywhere without the support of her dedicated fans. In the new Variety cover feature on McEntire as part of their Power Of Women Nashville issue, the 70-year-old country music icon says she owes everything to her audience. “I thank God for the fans,” she says, “because they are people who travel, spend their hard-earned money to buy tickets, to buy albums. They’re faithful. If you don’t have the fans, you might as well be singing in the shower, because they’re the ones that put food on our tables.” In addition to her celebrated music career, McEntire balances the other rewarding aspects of her life. She is preparing to host the Academy of Country Music Awards for the 18th time next month, while acting in her new sitcom, Happy’s Place, on NBC – following a three-season stint as a coach on The Voice – on top of her philanthropic efforts with Safe Haven Family Shelter in Nashville. Through it all, Reba remains a multifaceted entertainer who is dedicated to giving back where she can. (Variety)
