Country music legend Reba McEntire has once again made headlines with her recent performance at the Florida Strawberry Festival, where she surprised fans by covering Dua Lipa’s hit song "Don’t Start Now." This unexpected choice received mixed reviews on social media, with users expressing everything from confusion to excitement. One Twitter user quipped, "REBA SINGING DUA LIPA FEELS LIKE ARETHA FRANKLIN SINGING TOUCH MY BODY," emphasizing the shock value of such a cross-genre moment. Another fan expressed their admiration, saying, "She’s turning seventy this year and throwing all caution to the wind and I love it for her!"
While many were baffled by the choice, others praised McEntire’s vocal performance, with one user exclaiming, "Reba f**king killed it" during the live rendition. Another noted, "Reba singing Dua Lipa!! Two icons!!” These reactions speak to the enduring impact and relevant adaptability McEntire has, even as she approaches her milestone birthday.
Following her energetic set at the Strawberry Festival, McEntire has her eyes set on the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, where she is scheduled to perform on March 4, 2025. Ahead of this gig, the seasoned performer shared on Instagram a throwback video of herself from 1984, showcasing her early performance style. Dressed in glamorous red sequins and sporting voluminous ’80s hair, McEntire declared, "TBT to 1984 when I took the stage at @rodeohouston! Can’t wait to see y’all next week! 🤠"
It seems this month is packed with activity for McEntire, as she will follow the rodeo with performances across several states including Oklahoma, California, and Connecticut.
Beyond her professional life, McEntire has been celebrating personal milestones, marking five years with her boyfriend, actor Rex Linn. The couple took to social media to share their joy, with McEntire posting two sweet snapshots on Instagram. Captioning them, she wrote, "Celebrated five years of tater tots this week! ❤️ #thetots #anniversary." Fans reacted warmly, noting how adorable the couple looked, with one comment saying, "I’m so happy you found one another!" It seems their bond, reinforced by inside jokes over ‘tater tots,’ has only grown stronger over time.
McEntire shared the backstory of their unique nicknames during her appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, explaining how their romance blossomed from years of friendship. "I was doing 'Young Sheldon,' and Rex texted me about dinner. After some 'tater tots' at the wine bar, he dubbed me Tater Tot, to which I replied with the nickname Sugar Tot," she shared with laughter.
Meanwhile, McEntire continues to showcase her versatility not only as a performer but also as someone who values literature. She recently shared her favorite books with audiences via Amazon. Among her recommendations is Diana Gabaldon’s "Outlander," which she memorably described as steeped with "romance, history and adventure."
She also highlighted Dolly Parton’s "Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics," expressing deep appreciation for her long-standing friendship with the iconic singer. "Dolly and I have been friends for more than 30 years. She’s one of the hardest workers I’ve ever met, and I love her heart and sense of humor," McEntire noted.
Another notable mention is George Jones' memoir, "I Lived to Tell It All," which she cherishes among her mother’s library at her restaurant, Reba’s Place. This speaks volumes of her connection to her past and how literature shapes her perspectives.
McEntire’s last literary pick, "What Will I Do with My Love Today?" by Kristin Chenoweth, emphasizes kindness and love, values McEntire holds dear. She endorsed the book, saying, "My friend’s book teaches children to be generous, and it's just as meaningful for adults." This sentiment transcends McEntire’s personal and artistic journeys alike, continuing to inspire many.
It’s clear as she performs and shares her stories, whether on stage or through literary recommendations, Reba McEntire remains iconic not just as a musician, but as a relatable figure whose lessons about love, laughter, and music resonate across generations. With the Florida Festival performance fresh on her calendar and her next gigs awaiting, she demonstrates the enduring allure of country music—and perhaps, the timeless charm of being true to oneself.