Country music legend Reba McEntire, celebrating a remarkable 50 years since her first record deal, reveals a surprisingly simple yet profound secret to her enduring humility: a quirky toilet seat cover gifted by her sister. Emblazoned with the words “The Twinkle,” this humorous decor serves as a daily reminder that despite her superstar status, she’s “not a star,” but merely “a twinkle,” a sentiment that keeps her deeply grounded amidst a stellar career.
In the glitzy world of country music and television, few names shine as brightly and consistently as Reba McEntire. Known to millions as a charismatic country icon and sitcom queen, McEntire has built an empire spanning five decades. Yet, as she shares in a recent interview with People magazine, a humble, even cheeky, household item keeps her firmly rooted in reality: a toilet seat cover.
The Gift That Keeps on Grounding: ‘The Twinkle’
The story behind this unique piece of home decor is as endearing as McEntire herself. “My sister Alice, for Christmas one year, gave me a toilet seat cover. On the top of the toilet seat it said, ‘The Twinkle,’ to let me know I’m not a star — I’m a twinkle. Keeps me grounded,” McEntire, 70, shared. This heartfelt, yet humorous, reminder ensures that despite her monumental success, she remains connected to her down-to-earth roots as the “redheaded rodeo cowgirl from McAlester, Okla.”
This anecdote resonates deeply with fans who appreciate her genuine personality. It’s a testament to the strong family ties that have clearly played a pivotal role in shaping her perspective throughout her journey in the spotlight.
A Legendary Career: Five Decades of Music and Television
Contrary to the message on her toilet seat, McEntire’s career has been anything but a mere twinkle; it’s been a supernova. This year marks a significant milestone: 50 years since she signed her first record deal in 1976. Over this half-century, her achievements are nothing short of extraordinary:
- Over 75 million albums sold worldwide.
- 24 No. 1 country hits, solidifying her status as a chart-topping powerhouse.
- Three prestigious Grammy Awards.
- Soaring success in television, with her beloved sitcom Reba and current roles.
Currently, fans can catch McEntire on two popular NBC shows this fall: season 2 of Happy’s Place and season 28 of The Voice. Her continued presence on television screens further cements her enduring appeal across generations.
Margaret Norton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty
Reba McEntire in November 1994
From Rodeo Rings to Radio Waves: The Humble Beginnings
McEntire’s perspective on fame and success is deeply informed by her early life. She candidly recalls her initial entry into the music industry, which was far from glamorous. “Time flies when you’re having fun. Wow, I still see where I was signing the contract 50 years ago… I had no idea about the music business,” she reflects. “I was a rodeo cowgirl; I was a rancher’s daughter, and a rodeo brat.”
The transition was daunting: “To get into the music business was scary, leaving all my friends and my family, but I had great people that guided me. That was the thing I got out of this whole career — my friends.” She also shattered her own initial fantasies about instant wealth and luxury tour buses, recounting years spent in “vans and pickup trucks with campers and horse trailers to haul the gear and stuff.” Her “imagination wasn’t big enough to even create what I’ve gotten to do in my career,” she admits, expressing profound gratitude for every opportunity.
Mentoring the Next Generation on The Voice
As a coach on The Voice, McEntire now shares her invaluable wisdom with aspiring singers, drawing from her vast experience and grounded philosophy. Her advice is practical and heartfelt:
- “Have fun.”
- “Make sure you want this as a career because it’s a lot of hard work.”
- “It’s a lot of dedication, it’s a lot of commitment, it’s a lot of sacrifices.”
Echoing the message of her toilet seat cover, she cautions, “So if you want to be a star, well, you’ve got a long way to go before you become a star.” This emphasis on hard work over instant fame is a core tenet she imparts, ensuring contestants understand the true demands of the industry.
John Russo
Reba McEntire on the cover of PEOPLE
No Retirement in Sight: The Joy of a Life in Music
As McEntire looks to the future, her focus is on enjoying her life with fiancé Rex Linn and continuing to embrace new experiences. “How about a third, fourth, fifth season of Happy’s Place? I would love that,” she muses. “It’d be so much fun. Then to still have my music.”
Despite entering her 70s, retirement is not on her immediate horizon. She shared an illuminating conversation with fellow country legend Dolly Parton on the subject. “Dolly [Parton] and I talked about that an awful lot when she did the Reba show, and I said, ‘Are you going to retire?’ She said, ‘Why would I? What in the world could I do and have as much fun as what I’m doing in this job right now?’ I agree with her a hundred percent. Slow down, maybe, but no plans of retiring,” McEntire states. This dedication to her craft and the joy she finds in it is evident to all her fans.
John Russo
Reba McEntire for PEOPLE
A “Deliriously Happy” Chapter
As she embraces her 70s, McEntire describes herself as “deliriously happy.” She’s found a renewed appreciation for contentment, challenging her past belief that it stifled ambition. “I used to think being content was a no-no, because if you’re content, you’re not going to strive to continue to do better. That’s not true because you always try to improve your health. I love this chapter in my life. I’m very grateful,” she concludes.
Reba McEntire’s journey is a powerful reminder that genuine success is built on talent, hard work, and a healthy dose of humility, perhaps even delivered with a witty family gift. Fans can continue to enjoy her vibrant presence on Happy’s Place and The Voice, and explore her extensive musical catalog, keeping an eye on the official NBC website for The Voice for show schedules and updates.
