Reba McEntire Almost Quit Singing Following This Painful Life Event

As one of the most successful female artists in a genre dominated by men, country star Reba McEntire is no stranger to adversity. Still, there have been some moments in the “I’m A Survivor” singer’s illustrious career spanning over nearly four decades that have made her question whether or not she should continue performing. McEntire recently shared a heart-wrenching revelation about a time when she contemplated putting the mic down for good.

The country star sat down with Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager on the Today Show to talk about how she almost gave it all up back in 2020. While the hosts and McEntire looked through her old family photos, the country singer recalled a conversation she had with her sister Susie three years ago, following the death of their mother, Jacqueline Smith. Smith passed away at the age of 93 in March 2020 following a battle with cancer.

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“She had a wonderful, full, healthy life and was absolutely ready to go,” McEntire wrote on Instagram at the time of her mother’s passing. “The cancer might think it won the battle but we’re giving God all the credit on selecting the time for her to go home to Him.”

Even though she knew it was her mother’s time, the loss was still heavy for McEntire, so much so that she considered quitting music altogether.

“I said, ‘I just don’t think I’m going to do this anymore,” McEntire explained, recalling the conversation with her Susie. “[Susie] said, ‘What?’ I said, ‘Sing.’ I said, ‘I always did it for Mama.’ She said, ‘Oh, you’ll get it back.’”

“She was really encouraging for all of us kids, whatever we wanted to do,” McEntire continued. “She taught us harmony. Anytime anybody needed an opinion of who’s off, Mama would come in with her spatula after she was frying potatoes.”

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And while McEntire might have had her doubts, her sister was ultimately right. Since her mother’s passing, McEntire has released music, including Women to the Front: Reba in 2021 and My Chains Are Gone: Hymns & Gospel Favorites in 2022. She’s also become a judge on The Voice this year, spreading her passion for music to newer artists hoping for their big break.

Still, there are times where McEntire still gets choked up about her mother’s passing. “I can’t talk if I see Mama,” she explained to Hager and Kotb. Even as her loss still tugs at her heartstrings, McEntire continues to inspire through her music. Her journey serves as a testament to the power of family, love, and the healing nature of music, reminding us all that even in sorrow, we can find our melody again.

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