Since her chart debut in 1976, Reba McEntire has sold more than 55 million albums. She's also made movies, starred in a self-titled sitcom and started her own lines of clothing, footwear and luggage. With the financial freedom all of these successful ventures have afforded her, it's no wonder she can splurge from time to time. Reba tells financial website Bankrate.com that her first extravagant purchase in the mid-1990s and a recent one both have a familiar "ring" to them.
"I bought a ring for myself that I still have today," says the 54-year-old superstar. "I went to the jewelry store to buy my secretary something for Secretary's Day -- that's what we called them back then. I bought her a gift and was walking out and saw this ring. I thought it would be a good little commemorative thing for myself, so I bought it. It has four diamonds in it, and I just love it. It's a really nice memory because I had just finished the movie 'Is There Life Out There?'"
And not long ago, Reba purchased a gift for a friend, duet partner and tour mate.
"I bought Kelly Clarkson a really pretty diamond and sapphire ring. I wanted to give her something as a remembrance of our tour. So my latest big splurge was on a friend, not on me. I don't need a thing, really."
When it comes to handling the day-to-day challenge of balancing a busy entertainment career and a family, however, there is one thing Reba concedes she needs -- a great team of people to keep her on schedule.
"Time management is a key. I have a lot of lists all over the house, reminding me of what to do and when to do it. I have a great support team that helps remind me of things, too, (such as) 'You have an interview, you have to pick up Shelby (her 19-year-old son), you've got to be here then,' -- a great team."
Reba also reveals that one of her greatest challenges is keeping herself up-to-date in the fast-changing world of fashion, and making sure her clothing line is the best reflection of herself as both an artist and a successful brand name.
"You always have to come up with new styles and when they're not going right, (the question is) how to make it Reba," she says. "We found that we were getting into this area of, 'That's not right, that's not the brand, that's not Reba.' And it took us a good six months to get everybody convinced that this is not the Reba brand; this is not what Reba wears. My fans know what I wear and won't wear. And now, everything is doing wonderfully well."
When it comes to Reba's recently introduced line of luggage, the multimedia mogul decided to introduce a feature that would pay tribute to the rodeo career she pursued before becoming a country star.
"The luggage, it's leather with a belt buckle on it," she says. "The buckle is what got me started in the rodeo and ranching family, me singing the national anthem at the National (Finals) Rodeo in 1974. So we put the buckle on the outside of the luggage."
Reba also admits that if she had it to do over, she would have raised Shelby in a different setting - one that would include more livestock.
"I could have been a better mom, and spent more time with him," she says, "but I think children need to see parents working. I think they need to see parents being together and loving each other. But you have to instill into a child this work ethic. I think the worst thing I've done for Shelby is spoiling him. If I could have changed something, we would have lived on a farm and had chickens and cows, and he'd have had to go out and milk and gather the eggs, and we'd had a garden. But things didn't work out like that. It wasn't meant to be this time around, so I guess I kind of want my cake and eat it, too."






Reader Comments(1 of 2)
Mary and Toddat 7-11-2009
iLL BE YOUR FRIEND :) I LOVE JEWERLY.
centricemarieat 7-14-2009
Why is it that rich celebrities seem to only buy gifts for other rich celebrites? If I wanted a diamond ring or necklace to remember my adoptive parents who died and wrote Reba asking for one, she would say NO! However, she buys Kelly Clarkson a ring as a rememberance of their tour. Kelly could buy anything she wanted to remember the tour but did not. Also, ever notice that rich people usually do not, "Just say no" to these gifts/presents
Debis a Bubbaat 7-14-2009
I think EVERYONE looks back and wishes they had done things differently...That does not mean they were wrong, or did things badly...just could have been better or different. People who post crap like "Reba wouldn't give ME a diamond ring" are just pathetic. If you're not happy with what your life is...Change it!
roseat 7-11-2009
I LOVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE KKKKKKKKKKEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLYYYYYYYYY CCCCCCCCCCCCCLLLLLLLLAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRKKKKKKKKSSSSSSSSSSOOOOOOOOONNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!
SHE IS THE BEST!!!!!!!
eap82at 7-12-2009
I am a 45 year old PRCA cowboy who grew up on Reba. She is a class act. if anyone would like to dispute that then reply here.....REBA you are the greatest.
melcole32at 7-11-2009
people always have an excuse on how or why they could of been a better mom. thats her way of making herself feel better about being a better mom. just face it she got her cake and ate it too, and her son pays the price, but with all her money they could of lived on a farm and all that but that was her choice. the most important thing you can give you child is TIME...That all a child really wants is time with their parents, and money don't buy that. if there's a will there's a way to spend time don't be selfish....and make everything all about yourself think of your children they come first and it they don't they should!!
johnebareat 7-13-2009
Melcole32...The article says Reba might have liked to do things differently. Somehow, I'm betting her son thinks things were perfect just the way they were
VeeZooat 7-14-2009
Boy aren't you judgemental... Somebody forgot to take their anti-bitterness pill today???
tedat 7-14-2009
Do you know anything about her son? Is he a bad kid? Does he feel unloved? You seem to find it easy to talk about things you don't know!
emailing511at 7-12-2009
All his Life,
He's been waiting for you,
his wonderful husband I begun building,
On his life,
All his love,
has been waiting for you,
his life is so blind now that he's willing
All his life
Happy Wedding and enjoy your music.
centricemarieat 7-12-2009
To Captivaisland 05 and Melcole 32>>>I somewha agree with what you say. Captiva, how did you up and go to Chicago without money? How would you have felt if you had to say, I can't afford it. Money was necessary to fulfill your son's request. Melcole, what happens while you are spending the time with your child/children and they ask for something you can not afford. You will be depressed and would the child along with disappointment in the parent
MOUSSEHILLat 7-14-2009
Centricemarie - I think you forgot to take your happy pill the last few days - youe "Poor Me" attitude is really showing. If you need more money - get a job. If you still want more money - get a 2nd job. Reba probably considers Kelley a FRIEND - not a CELEBRITY. No one gave Reba anything, she WORKED for her success (Money). So if she wants to give a ring to her FRIEND - good for her. So, Centricemarie - get over your jealousy and poor me attitude.
Get a job, volunteer, mentor and find what makes you happy, because obviously you're not.
centricemarieat 7-14-2009
Moussehill>>>>>>Take a reality pill that was the basis of my comment. I am quite happy as a person, I wanted Captivaisland05 and Melcole32 to see that their happy scenario may not play out for everyone. You know...Like that Physics saying, To every action there is an equal and opposite action. It may also be used in everyday life. For every person who can readily take their children on trips and/or give their children something they want, there is a person who works everyday and can not do the same. Sorry to upset you but I am neither jealous or have a poor attitude. I am realistic and sympathetic to some and estatic and elated for others.
Pamelaat 7-13-2009
Luv you Reba.....
Pamelaat 7-13-2009
Ive Rodeo'd All My Life Whether It Be Barrel Racing or Team-Roping, and have grown up listing to Reba,She Is Truly One of the best Country Female Artist Out there these days.Like Tammy Wynette,Loretta Lynn,and so many more....Her music comes from the heart and soul you can hear it in her voice., and her bein a rodeo gal herself, that makes me luv her even more....A True Cowgirl......Luv You Reba ...Cowgirl UP........