The story goes that Reba McEntire was scheduled to perform on the Grand Ole Opry stage for the first time. She was excited and nervous, ready to showcase her talent to the audience. However, a surprise guest arrived, and the show was interrupted. This guest was none other than Dolly Parton, who had a long-standing rivalry with Reba. Dolly Parton’s appearance was unexpected and caused a stir among the audience.
The 22-year-old performed a cover of Roger Miller’s “Invitation to the Blues,” from her self-titled debut album, and her family drove more than 700 miles from Oklahoma to witness her big debut first-hand, according to the Boot. McEntire was slated to sing two songs, and was planning a cover of the Patsy Cline classic “Sweet Dreams,” but that got cut due to a surprise appearance from Opry member Dolly Parton, who turned up unannounced to perform. “Dolly came walking in, and she was like a vision,” McEntire recalls to Nashville’s Tennessean newspaper. “It was worth the drive from Oklahoma just to see Dolly.”
McEntire’s career has been marked by a remarkable consistency and longevity. She has consistently released new music and toured extensively, maintaining a high level of visibility and popularity throughout her career. This dedication to her craft has earned her a place among the most respected and celebrated country music artists of all time.
PICTURES: See Inside Reba McEntire’s Former Nashville Manor Home Reba McEntire’s former Nashville mansion is now an upscale resort, and it’s also available to rent on Vrbo. Gallery Credit: Sterling Whitaker See Inside Reba McEntire’s California Estate: Reba McEntire is no stranger to living in style, but her $22 million estate in one of the most exclusive zip codes in California was extravagant even by the standards of celebrity homes. Sterling Whitaker is a Senior Writer and Senior Editor for Taste of Country. He focuses on celebrity real estate, as well as coverage of Yellowstone and related shows like 1883 and 1923. He’s interviewed cast members including Cole Hauser, Kelly Reilly, Sam Elliott and Harrison Ford, and Whitaker is also known for his in-depth interviews with country legends including Don Henley, Rodney Crowell, Trace Adkins, Ronnie Milsap, Ricky Skaggs and more.
