Why Reba McEntire “Never Wanted to Meet” Her Hero Merle Haggard

One of the most successful country artists of all time, Reba McEntire is a hero to many in the business. Reigning Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson has spoken of modeling her career after the “Fancy” singer. But Reba has idols, too—and she wasn’t always keen to make their acquaintance. In a season 26 promo for The Voice, the defending champion coach elaborated on why she didn’t want to meet Merle Haggard.

Reba McEntire: “I Didn’t Want Them to Disappoint Me”

On Friday (Sept. 20), The Voice posted a video clip to its official Instagram page. In the clip, Reba McEntire regales fellow season 26 coaches Gwen Stefani, Michael Buble, and Snoop Dogg with stories from her five-decade career.

“I never wanted to meet my heroes, because I didn’t want them to disappoint me—ever,” the Happy’s Place star admitted. “I was doing shows with Merle Haggard, and I did not want to meet him, because I didn’t want to be disappointed, because I’d looked up to him for so long.”

 

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Reba was just 26 years old when she opened for the “Okie from Muskogee” at the famed Fort Worth venue Billy Bob’s Texas in August 1981. By then, her star was well on the rise. She wouldn’t be able to avoid Haggard’s orbit for long.

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And when they finally were properly introduced, “he was the nicest, most cordial gentleman,” Reba recalled. “I was like, ‘Phew.’”

Merle Haggard Became “Part of My Family”

Fortunately, Reba McEntire was able to overcome her fear of disappointment and make her childhood idol’s acquaintance. When the outlaw country legend died in 2016 on his 79th birthday, Reba spoke to Entertainment Weekly about their relationship.

The flame-haired contralto recalled that older brother Pake liked singing Merle Haggard songs when the siblings performed as The Singing McEntires. Reba and younger sister Susie would sing harmony.

“We all looked up to Merle Haggard. And it was a thrill in my life when I got to work with him on the road,” she said. “We won state in 4-H club Share of the Fun contest singing ‘Okie from Muskogee.’”

Reba continued, “Merle has been a part of my family for a long time… He inspired me so much.”