Happy 69th birthday, Reba McEntire: Oklahoma's iconic country music star through the years

Reba McEntire, who is relaxing at a Music Row office Aug. 30, 1983, just had her new song, “Why Do We Want (What We Know We Can’t Have)”, released July 30th. On April 13, McEntire will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at OKC’s Western Heritage Awards

The young red-headed Reba McEntire enjoys her performance for a crowd of 8,000 country music lovers at Starwood Amphitheatre on June 27, 1987. McEntire unveiled a glossy new show for her fans that was full of costume changes and choreography. Flashback: McEntire sang the National Anthem at the 2024 Super Bowl.
Diane Curry / The Tennessean

Reba McEntire speaks to the audience after winning an unprecedented fourth consecutive Female Vocalist of the Year award during the 21st annual CMA Awards show at the Grand Ole Opry House on Oct. 12, 1987.
P. Casey Daley / The Tennessean

Former Oklahoma rodeo rider Reba McEntire accepts the Favorite Female Vocalist award during the second annual TNN Viewers’ Choice Awards show at the Grand Ole Opry House on April 25, 1989.
James Larson / For The Tennessean

Award-winning country star Reba McEntire sings one of her hits for 7,500 fans at Starwood Amphitheatre on Aug. 24, 1990.

Delores Delvin / The Tennessean

Presenter Reba McEntire points to Shania Twain as she announces her as the winner of the Entertainer of the Year award winner during the 33rd CMA Awards show at the Grand Ole Opry House Sept. 22, 1999.
Larry McCormack / The Tennessean

Reba McEntire, center, is performing with the dancers during the annual CMA Awards show Oct. 4, 2000 at the Grand Ole Opry House.
Eric Parsons / The Tennessean

Reba McEntire performs in concert at the Oklahoma City Arena on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011.
[Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman Archives]

Hosts Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood and Dolly Parton speak at the 53rd Annual CMA Awards.
Larry McCormack, The Tennessean

Reba McEntire speaks during the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s Western Heritage Awards in Oklahoma City, Saturday, April 13, 2019.
Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman File