Reba McEntire Reflects on Ranch Childhood

Reba McEntire, a country music icon, reflects on her upbringing on an 8,000-acre ranch in Chockie, Oklahoma, where she began working at the age of five. In a recent interview, she emphasized her authenticity as a cowgirl, stating, "I didn’t play cowgirl growing up, I was one." McEntire and her siblings contributed significantly to the ranch's operations, especially when their father, a champion steer roper, was away for rodeo competitions. The tight-knit family lived in a small house, sharing a single bathroom, which fostered strong bonds among them. She fondly recalls the lack of nearby playmates, leading her and her siblings to create their own fun through their work and shared experiences. This background shaped her resilience and work ethic, attributes that have followed her into her successful music career.