Reba McEntire

Oprah’s Master Class: The Podcast

Despite many obstacles and challenges, Reba McEntire used the lessons she learned throughout her life to find her own unique voice and go on to become one of the best-selling female country artists of all time. Before she was the Queen of Country, Reba grew up on a ranch in Chockie, Oklahoma, a town with a population of 18. Growing up on a ranch meant that, early on, Reba learned the value of hard work and doing the job right. This work ethic stayed with her from her early days singing at rodeos to the stellar success to come. Reba's journey has taught her many things, and sometimes the lessons were hard-won. In 1991, when eight of her band members were killed in an airplane crash, Reba learned just how precious life is and how important it is to cherish each day. Reba reveals three traits, or "bones," you should have in life: a wishbone because you need goals for yourself; a backbone, which is your drive because it helps you to make things happen; and a funny bone because a sense of humor is key to living a fulfilled life. On top of her tremendous success as a country musician, she's had an acting career in Hollywood and a starring role in the Broadway revival of "Annie Get Your Gun." And all along, Reba remembered the words of her father, who said that "it's the getting there" that matters most.