Dolly Parton, Vince Gill and Carrie Underwood Join Iconic Entertainer During Sold-Out Shows
Reba Surprised with 40 Million RIAA Certifications Plaque
Announces Partnership with Justin Boots Inspired by Reba’s On and Off Stage Lifestyle
NASHVILLE, TN – Superstar Reba McEntire celebrated the 40th Anniversary of her Grand Ole Opry debut with two sold-out shows and surprise guests on Friday night (9/22). Reba’s sets included the first song she ever sang at the esteemed venue “Invitation To The Blues,” her induction song “Somebody Should Leave,” theme song “Survivor” from her six-season sitcom Reba and signature “Fancy.” Fellow members Vince Gill and Carrie Underwood joined for “Oklahoma Swing” and GRAMMY®-winning “Does He Love You,” respectively.
Inducted into the Opry family on January 17, 1986, Reba’s recent return to the circle also featured surprise guest Dolly Parton, who recounted when she made a last-minute Opry appearance on the night of Reba’s debut. Unknowingly reducing Reba’s set to one song, on Friday night Dolly jokingly “gave the time back” and sweetly celebrated her friend.
“It was a lot of fun. It was nerve-wracking; it was scary. This means the world to me,” Reba shared between laughter and standing ovations. “It’s been a wonderful 40 years. I couldn’t have done it without you, and I wouldn’t have wanted to!”
Adding to the evening’s excitement, RIAA President Mitch Glazier surprised Reba with a plaque to commemorate more than 40 million in RIAA certifications across 27 albums. Reba is second to only Barbra Streisand for female recording artists with the most GOLD (or higher) albums, which count sales and streams in the United States only. The accomplishment enhances the over 56 million total albums Reba has sold worldwide.
The iconic entertainer has become a household name with an illustrious career that spans across music, television, film, theater and retail. Her partnership with powerhouse Justin® Boot Company, a division of H.H. Brown Shoe Company, was announced today, and the REBA by Justin™ collection will launch Holiday 2017 at select retailers nationwide. The new line features Reba’s take on classic western boots, booties and casuals, drawing inspiration from pieces of the GRAMMY® Award winner’s life story. “Justin Boots have been a staple in my closet since my barrel racing years in Oklahoma,” Reba shares. “I’m thrilled to add my personal touch to a brand that is known for quality craftsmanship and timeless style.”
Following last year’s limited release – and featuring collaborations with Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Darius Rucker and Lauren Daigle – MY KIND OF CHRISTMAS will be available everywhere on October 13 on Nash Icon Records. Fans can pre-order special bundles now at Reba.com. Tapped to host the two-hour CMA Country Christmas, Reba brings the season’s classics to life on the ABC Television Network November 27 at 8:00/7:00P CT.
The Country Music Hall of Fame member has been honored with numerous accolades: AMA, ACM, CMA, Grammy and People’s Choice Awards. Reba is currently nominated for two GMA Dove Awards for Bluegrass/Country/Roots Album of the Year and Song of the Year (“Back To God”) from SING IT NOW: SONGS OF FAITH AND HOPE (Nash Icon Records / Capitol Christian Music Group), which topped both the Billboard Country and Christian/Gospel charts for multiple weeks. The feat marked her thirteenth summit, bolstering Reba’s successful record of 35 No. 1 singles.
As part of the longest-running Country act in The Colosseum’s history with superstar pals Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, REBA, BROOKS & DUNN: Together In Vegas is in its third year at Caesars. Visit Reba.com for tour dates and more.