Reba McEntire, the renowned country music superstar, has always had a special bond with her siblings. Growing up on a sprawling family farm in Oklahoma, Reba, along with her sisters Alice Foran and Susie McEntire-Eaton, and brother Pake McEntire, shared a deep love for music instilled in them by their mother, Jacqueline.
Reba reminisced in her memoir, 'By the time I got to junior high school, Pake, Susie, and I were singing more and more together around our house. Sometimes we were the entertainment when Mama and Daddy’s friends came over to play dominoes. Pake played acoustic rhythm guitar and sang melody. I sang the high harmony, and Susie sang the low.'
In the early 1980s, Reba's career in country music began to take off, with her siblings Susie and Pake lending their background vocals to her music. This exposure also helped kickstart Pake's own music career, while Susie found her niche in Christian music after a few years of touring with Reba.
On the other hand, Alice chose a more private path and pursued a career as a social worker. She eventually became the county director of the Department of Human Services in Atoka, Oklahoma. Reba fondly describes Alice as the rock of the family, always ready to lend a helping hand.
The McEntire siblings had a unique childhood, growing up on their family's 8,000-acre ranch in Chockie, Oklahoma. They were actively involved in tending to the land and animals from a young age, working alongside their parents, Clark Vincent and Jacqueline. Their father was a three-time world champion steer roper, and their weekends were often spent watching him compete at local rodeos. Pake developed a talent for roping, while Reba pursued barrel racing for 10 years before transitioning to a career in music.
Their mother, Jacqueline, not only instilled their passion for music but also helped them hone their singing skills. Reba fondly recalls how their mother would correct their harmonies with a spatula in hand while frying potatoes in the kitchen. The family band quickly gained recognition, becoming local favorites at rodeos and nearby clubs.
Before launching their own careers, Susie and Pake frequently supported Reba, providing backup vocals for her. Susie began focusing on music full-time after graduating from Oklahoma State University in 1980. In 1984, she found her calling in Christian music and went on to release numerous albums, earning accolades for her talents. Pake, meanwhile, pursued his music career alongside his passion for rodeo. He signed with RCA Records in 1986 and released his debut album before becoming an independent artist.
Alice, Reba, and Susie all found fulfillment in their personal lives as well. Alice and her husband, Robert, have three sons and a daughter. Susie has three children from her previous marriage and has since remarried. Pake and his wife welcomed three daughters. Despite their individual paths, the siblings remain close and cherish their family bond.
Their strong faith and Christian upbringing have played a significant role in their lives. Reba and her sisters credit their maternal grandmother for introducing them to Christianity and instilling in them the importance of expressing gratitude to God. They continue to rely on their faith during challenging times, drawing strength and finding solace in their belief.
In 2020, the McEntire family experienced the loss of their beloved mother, Jacqueline, to cancer. During this difficult period, Reba and her siblings leaned on each other for support, finding comfort in their shared memories and the love they have for one another. Reba expressed how their laughter, tears, and the presence of their mother's spirit brought healing to their hearts.
Reba McEntire and her siblings share a unique and special bond that extends beyond their musical talents. From their upbringing on a farm in Oklahoma to their individual journeys in music and life, their love for one another remains unwavering. As they continue to navigate their respective paths, their shared experiences and faith serve as the foundation that keeps their bond strong.
