Reba McEntire says she’s taking a cue from Dolly Parton about her future. The country music legend and beloved former “The Voice” guest mentor revealed that she and Parton have talked about retirement, but neither plans to quit anytime soon.
“As for retirement, it’s not on my radar,” McEntire told People. “I don’t know when. It could be in 20 years. Dolly and I talked about that, and she said, ‘Why would I? What could I do that’s more fun than this?’ I agree with her a hundred percent. Slow down, maybe, but no plans of retiring.”
The 70-year-old singer says she’s content, grateful, and happier than ever. “I love this chapter in my life. I’m very grateful,” McEntire said.
The Country Icon Finds Joy in Her Work
McEntire has been performing for nearly five decades, but her energy shows no signs of slowing. Since signing her first record deal in 1975, she has sold 75 million albums, earned three Grammys, and become one of the most recognized names in country music.
She also found success on television with her beloved sitcom Reba in 2001 and continues to entertain fans with her projects on NBC’s “The Voice” and her latest sitcom, Happy’s Place,” which premieres November 7.
“I think I’m happier now than I’ve ever been in my life,” McEntire said. “It’s amazing. It’s wonderful being 70 and getting to do what I get to do at the level I want to do it.”
How ‘The Voice’ Keeps Her Inspired
Now in her fourth season as a coach on “The Voice,” McEntire says the competition series continues to reignite her passion for music.
“They find the best people. I am blown away every season,” she said. “Michael Bublé is a good buddy, and Niall Horan could be my little brother because he’s cute, he’s funny, he’s witty.”
The star also praised fellow coach Snoop Dogg. “What I love about the three that I’m with, we say our prayer before we go in. Snoop instigated that,” she said.
McEntire’s personal life is just as fulfilling. She’s engaged to actor Rex Linn, whom she first met while filming “The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw” in 1991 and reconnected with in 2020.
“I’ve never been loved by a man like Rex Linn. Rex is a very tender-hearted man, and I just love him with all my heart. He’s a good guy. Real bashful though,” she said.
The “I’m a Survivor” singer calls working alongside Linn one of the best parts of her day. “Wherever we go, that is our ‘Happy’s Place,'” McEntire said. “Getting to work with Rex, drive to work with Rex, do the show, the rehearsals, drive home, talk about it, rehearse together — that’s what’s really special for me. I’ve not had that before.”
(Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)Her advice to others mirrors her wisdom with contestants on “The Voice.” “Enjoy every minute,” she said. “Quit living for tomorrow and for yesterday. That’s really hard to do, but it’s so rewarding when it clicks.”
