'The Voice' Season 24 coach Reba McEntire almost gave up her music career after mother's tragic death
MCALESTER, OKLAHOMA: Queen of country music Reba McEntire's illustrious career spanning several decades has had several high points, and being inducted into the Music Hall of Fame is one of them.
Fans of the veteran singer were naturally shocked when Reba disclosed that she had once stood at a critical crossroads in her life and almost decided to quit her singing career following the tragic death of her mother, the late Jacqueline McEntire.
In the wake of her mother's death, Reba was at a loss and questioned her ability to recover from the loss, not knowing whether she wanted to continue as a musician or not.
The state of grief lasted a month or two before she eventually got herself together.
Who is Reba McEntire's mother Jacqueline McEntire?
Reba's mother Jacqueline was an aspiring singer herself and was pivotal in her journey to becoming one of the most celebrated country musicians.
Jacqueline passed away at the age of 93 on March 14, 2020, after a prolonged fight with cancer.
Reba McEntire has consistently affirmed that her mother was the driving force behind her decision to pursue a music career, providing her with the encouragement and motivation needed to make significant efforts in the early stages of her career.
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In a heartfelt post on her mother's demise, Reba wrote, "Our Mother, Jacqueline McEntire, made that wonderful cross over into Heaven today. She had a wonderful, full, healthy life and was absolutely ready to go."
She added, "The cancer might think it won the battle but we’re giving God all the credit for selecting the time for her to go home to Him. She was ready to see our Daddy, her mama and daddy, and all her family and friends."
Reba further wrote, "Down here, Alice, Pake, Susie and I, grandkids and great-grandkids all got to visit with her either in person or over the phone. She left knowing how much she is loved and we all know how much she loved us. We are very thankful for all the prayers, cards, calls, visits, the caregivers with their huge hearts, and the time God gave us with Mama. Jackie, Jac, Ms McEntire, Mama, Mama Jac, Momo Jac, Grandma, Grandma Jac, whatever the title was at the time - she gave you her undivided attention. We’re all going to miss her but we have so many wonderful memories. Thank you Lord for that. In lieu of flowers, the family lovingly asks that memorials be sent to the Reba McEntire Fund to benefit the Jacqueline McEntire Library Fund."
Reba McEntire pays tribute to her late mother Jacqueline McEntire with a library of books
Reba paid tribute to her late mother's memory during the inauguration of her three-story dining, bar, and entertainment venue called Reba's Place by adding a library on the third floor of the building consisting of books that were collected by Jacqueline throughout the years.
She believes that her mother's fond memories will live on in the form of these books, which she loved and treasured.
Reba McEntire replaces Blake Shelton as coach on 'The Voice' Season 24
In October 2022, Blake Shelton, who had been a part of 'The Voice' since the NBC show's beginning, announced his decision to leave the show. This was followed by the revelation that country music superstar Reba McEntire would be filling in for Shelton as a coach on the show.
She will join Niall Horan, Gwen Stefani and John Legend as part of the star-studded quartet tasked with finding the ultimate vocalist on the hit music show.
When will 'The Voice' Season 24 premiere?
'The Voice' season 24 is set to premiere on September 25, at 8 PM ET on NBC.
