Reba McEntire is one of the most successful and influential country music artists of all time. She has sold over 75 million records worldwide, won numerous awards, and starred in movies and TV shows. But did you know that she has a younger sister who is also a country singer? Her name is Susie McEntire-Eaton, and she is a contemporary Christian music singer who has been making music since the 1980s. In this article, we will explore the relationship between Reba and Susie, their musical careers, and their personal lives.
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The Singing McEntires
Reba and Susie were born and raised in Oklahoma, along with their older brother Pake and older sister Alice. Their parents, Clark and Jacqueline McEntire, were both involved in the rodeo world and encouraged their children to pursue their talents. Reba, Pake, and Susie all showed an interest in music from a young age, and with their mother’s help, they formed a band called The Singing McEntires. They performed at local events and recorded for a small label. Reba also sang the national anthem at rodeos, where she was discovered by country singer Red Steagall in 1974. He helped her get a recording contract with Mercury Records and move to Nashville.
Reba’s Rise to Fame
Reba released her debut album in 1977, but it was not until the early 1980s that she started to gain more popularity and recognition. She switched to MCA Records in 1984 and released her breakthrough album My Kind of Country, which featured two number one singles: “How Blue” and “Somebody Should Leave”. She also adopted a more traditional country style that set her apart from the pop-oriented trends of the time. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Reba continued to release hit albums and songs, such as “Whoever’s in New England”, “Fancy”, “Does He Love You”, and “The Heart Won’t Lie”. She also won several awards, including Grammys, CMAs, ACMs, and AMAs. She also ventured into acting, appearing in films like Tremors, The Little Rascals, and One Night at McCool’s, and starring in her own sitcom Reba from 2001 to 2007.
Susie’s Solo Career
Susie followed her sister’s footsteps and moved to Nashville in 1980. She toured with Reba as a backup singer for several years, but she also had her own aspirations as a solo artist. In 1984, she decided to focus on Christian country music, which reflected her faith and values. She released her debut album Real Love in 1993, which reached number 39 on the Billboard Top Contemporary Christian Albums chart. She also scored several hits on the Christian country radio charts, such as “I Don’t Love You Like I Used To”, “Love Will Carry the Load”, and “For Pete’s Sake”. She has since released over 20 albums and won several awards in the field of positive country music. She is also the co-host of Cowboy Church on RFD-TV, a program that combines religion and Western culture.
The Sisters’ Bond
Reba and Susie have always maintained a close bond as sisters and friends, despite their different musical styles and careers. They have supported each other through their highs and lows, and have often performed together on stage or recorded songs together. Some of their collaborations include “Sky Full of Angels”, “I’ll Fly Away”, and “Back to God”. They also share a strong resemblance to each other, which many fans have noticed and commented on. Reba often posts photos of Susie on her social media accounts, especially on her birthday or other special occasions. Susie also expresses her admiration and gratitude for Reba on her website, where she writes: “She has been my mentor throughout my life…She has taught me how to be strong when I needed it most.”
The Sisters’ Personal Lives
Reba and Susie have both experienced some challenges and changes in their personal lives over the years. Reba was married twice: first to Charlie Battles from 1976 to 1987, and then to Narvel Blackstock from 1989 to 2015. She has one son with Blackstock named Shelby Blackstock, who is a race car driver. She also became a stepmother to Blackstock’s three children from his previous marriage: Chassidy, Shawna, and Brandon Blackstock (who is married to Kelly Clarkson). Reba is currently dating actor Rex Linn since 2020.
Susie was also married twice: first to rodeo cowboy Paul Luchsinger from 1981 to 2008, with whom she had three children: Sami Jo Luchsinger (who is married to country singer Cody Joe Hodges), Levi Paul Luchsinger, and Daniel Clark Luchsinger. She also revealed that she suffered from verbal and mental abuse during her marriage to Luchsinger, which led to their divorce. She remarried in 2009 to Mark Eaton, an American theologian and public speaker. They live in Stringtown, Oklahoma.
Conclusion
Reba McEntire and Susie McEntire-Eaton are two talented and successful country singers who share more than their looks. They are sisters who have a close and loving relationship that has lasted through the years. They have also inspired and influenced each other in their musical journeys, as well as in their personal lives. They are both examples of strong, resilient, and faithful women who have overcome many obstacles and achieved their dreams.
