Reba McEntire’s close friends made her 40th Opry anniversary a night she’ll never forget.
On Friday, January 16, Reba McEntire appeared at the Grand Ole Opry for a special night celebrating her 40th anniversary as a member.
She first stepped onto the Opry stage in September 1977 at just 22 years old. Nearly a decade later, she was officially inducted as a member on January 14, 1986.
In a now-expired Instagram Story, Reba looked back on the moment she was inducted.
“It means the world to me. I am a second-generation lover of the Grand Ole Opry. Momma and daddy brought us kids up right, listening to the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday nights on the radio,” McEntire said in a clip, as reported by Parade. “They were with me the first time I got to perform here on Sept. 17, 1977.”
She continued, “That was the anniversary when daddy won the Pendleton, Oregon, all-around cowboy at the rodeo, so it’s a very special day for us…And I was so glad they were here with me. I felt like they were with me here tonight also. I love the Grand Ole Opry.”
In honor of the milestone, Reba performed several of her biggest hits throughout the night, including “I’m a Survivor” and “Back to God.”
Some of her closest friends in the industry also stopped by to pay tribute to her long and legendary career.
Fellow longtime Opry member Trisha Yearwood performed a version of Reba’s “How Blue” with Opry band member Mica Roberts.
Later in the night, Reba received a very personal surprise from Trisha: a touching handwritten letter that was read aloud while Reba stood and listened.
“There are people in your life who mean what they say and say what they mean. Those people are rare, and you’re lucky if you get to call one of them a friend. Reba, you’re that friend to many,” the letter began, according to Music Mayhem. I’ve watched you welcome new artists like me in 1991 to this wonderful and challenging business. But more than that, I’ve watched you really be a friend to all of us.”
The letter continued, “You don’t just say we ought to get together sometime. You actually give out your phone number, you follow up, you make a plan, and then you show up. Reba Freaking McEntire. You make time for trips, for dinners, for fun group texts and a hug through tears when we need it. Yes, you are larger than life, but you’re also as real as we all want you to be. How lucky country music is to have you in their corner and how lucky I am to call you my friend. I love you, Reba. XOXO, Trisha Yearwood.”
Terri Clark Surprises Reba With A Very Unique Gift
Another country star who came out to celebrate Reba’s big night was Terri Clark.
She and Reba have been friends for years. Terri even joins Reba’s family each year for her annual chili cooking competition.
So, when it was time to present Reba with her 40th anniversary gift, Terri was the perfect person to deliver it.
In a video shared by the Opry, Terri is seen giving Reba a congratulatory bouquet. Except this wasn’t any ordinary bouquet… it was made of corn dogs and sauce packets.
As soon as Reba sees the yummy surprise, her face lights up with a smile. “Y’all know me very well,” she says.
“On behalf of the Opry, Reba, this is your 40th anniversary gift, and I’m happy to present it to you,” Terri says.
Reba quickly quipped back, “Because you want part of it.” To which Terri jokingly responds, “Yes, I do. That’s it. That’s it.”
Terri left a comment on the video, writing, “Anything for the queen.”
See Terri Clark gift Reba McEntire a bouquet made of corn dogs in the video below.
@opryofficial If you know, you know🤭 Happy 40th Opry anniversary, @Reba McEntire! @Terri Clark ♬ original sound – Grand Ole Opry