Reba McEntire’s Stirring Rendition of the National Anthem Brings Tears at Super Bowl

When it was announced that Reba McEntire would perform the national anthem at the Super Bowl, my excitement reached new heights. And let me tell you, she exceeded all expectations…

There’s no one quite like Reba McEntire, and her performance at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, was nothing short of remarkable. Her rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” was pure magic, eliciting cheers from the crowd and giving viewers at home goosebumps.

Even Chris Jones, the Chiefs’ defensive lineman, couldn’t hold back his emotions as tears welled up during her performance.

McEntire’s three-time Grammy-winning talent delivered exactly what we needed to kick off the game—a truly unforgettable performance.

.@reba sings the National Anthem at Super Bowl LVIII! #SBLVIII pic.twitter.com/yEQi89hYGg

— NFL (@NFL) February 11, 2024

Given Chris Stapleton’s incredible rendition last year, the bar was set sky-high for the legendary Oklahoma native as we all awaited her performance on the grandest stage of them all: belting out the anthem before the opening kickoff at the Super Bowl.

Following Reba’s powerful rendition, the applause echoed thunderously, setting a splendid tone for the eagerly anticipated clash between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers.

According to Taste of Country, 2024 marked the fourth consecutive year that the NFL enlisted a country singer to perform the national anthem.

Just a month prior, the 68-year-old Reba had shared intriguing insights about her upcoming performance in an interview with CBS Mornings. Recalling the moment she received the invitation, Reba revealed that her boyfriend, Rex Linn, an avid football fan, enthusiastically encouraged her to accept.

“I got the news from my manager…he said they wanted me to sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl, and I said, ‘Oh my gosh, well, let me think about that,'” Reba recounted. “And Rex Linn, my boyfriend, who is a huge football fan, he said, ‘Yes! She’ll do it! Absolutely!’”

Reba emphasized her diligent preparation for the big moment, admitting to practicing diligently, even singing the anthem in the shower and during car rides.

“I’ve been singing the national anthem in the shower [and] when we get in the car,” she shared.

Expressing her profound gratitude and honor to perform at the Super Bowl for the first time, Reba conveyed her sentiment to Apple Music host Nadeska Alexis.

“I get to sing a very special song for all Americans, people all around the world, who have really worked so hard for our freedom and to give us peace,” Reba expressed. “It’s not about me — I’m the representation of this song, and I’m just honored to get to sing it. It’s a good one. I’ve been doing it for 50 years, and I’m really proud to get to sing it.”

Reba’s relationship with Hollywood actor Rex Linn began in 2020, although the two had crossed paths back in 1991 on the set of “The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw.” Amidst personal challenges, including a painful divorce and her mother’s cancer diagnosis, Rex Linn became a pillar of support for Reba. Their bond strengthened during the COVID-19 pandemic, with virtual coffee dates and heartfelt conversations bridging the distance between Tennessee and California.

Linn’s most notable role is Frank Tripp in the television series CSI: Miami, but his acting credits span across movies like Cheaper by the Dozen, Rush Hour, and Django Unchained. Similar to Reba, the 67-year-old actor hails from Oklahoma, having moved there from Texas with his parents at the age of 13.

Reba humorously reflects on the prospect of marriage, envisioning multiple ceremonies to accommodate their extensive network of friends, acquaintances, and family.

“We’ve talked about it and giggled about it,” Reba shared. “We thought, ‘Man, if we ever did have a ceremony, we would have to have a 2 o’clock, 4 o’clock, 6 o’clock and an 8 o’clock because we have so many friends, acquaintances and family.’”

In a recent interview on Today with Hoda & Jenna, the revered musician, often hailed as the Queen of Country, opened up about a moment of doubt regarding her music career following her mother Jacqueline’s passing from cancer in March 2020.

Recalling a poignant moment while sorting through her parents’ belongings with her sister Susie, Reba shared her contemplation of stepping away from music.

“I was going through pictures. I said, ‘I just don’t think I’m gonna do this anymore.’ She said, ‘What?’ I said, ‘Sing,’” Reba recounted. “I said, ‘I always did it for Mama.’ She said, ‘Oh, you’ll get it back.’ I did.”

Before Reba’s illustrious career as the ‘Fancy’ performer took flight in the 1970s, she, along with her siblings Susie, Alice, and Pake, learned the art of singing from their mother Jacqueline. It was Jacqueline’s guidance that ignited Reba’s passion for music, fondly remembered as she reflected on her mother’s encouragement: “She was really encouraging for all of us kids, whatever we wanted to do. She taught us harmony.”

During their high school years, the McEntire siblings earned the moniker “the singing McEntires,” thanks to Jacqueline’s willingness to offer feedback, especially if they missed a note.

“Anytime anybody needed an opinion of who’s off — Susie’s on my part, I’m on Susie’s part — Mama would come in with her spatula after she was frying potatoes,” Reba recalled, mimicking her mother’s pointing gesture with the utensil. “She would say, ‘OK, Reba, you’re on Susie’s part. Sing it again.’ We’d sing it, and she’d say, ‘Oh, that’s perfect,’ and she’d go back in and keep frying potatoes.”

We’re grateful for your continued presence entertaining us, Reba, and you certainly make singing the national anthem look effortless!

Your iconic voice, combined with the significance of the moment, contributed to a timeless and unforgettable Super Bowl 2024. Share this article if you concur!