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Reba Reveals Splurge Spending, Spoiling Her Son

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."

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brdgeubrn55

Wow...there's alot of mean comments on here. First, has anyone ever seen Shelby getting crazy and acting out of control, and spending his mom's money like oh say, Paris Hilton?- Just an example...FYI. Reba had cut down her touring alot when he was born, especially after the loss of her band. But singing was technically her "job". And she did take Shelby with her alot before he actually started school. She flew home after every concert, to make sure she was there every morning to take him to school when he started. Shelby probably didn't have his license yet....I didn't @ 19 (due to medical reasons). The point is, she tried. There are things she wishes she could've changed, but she can't. Shelby I'm sure is a good person, like Reba & Narvel. I'm sure you all on here haven't done everything perfect in your lives........the point is to learn from them.

February 04 2011 at 12:29 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Natalie

I love Reba she is an amazing singer and I am only 14 and my mom and I just can't belive how good she is we watch her show called Reba and don't tell my mom but I got her her first Reba C.D. well are money is tight so we can't really just go out and buy a C.D. or other stuff I and my mom would just love to meet Reba or go to get or win tickits to go see her in contert well if it came to St.Louis ofcorse

July 26 2009 at 7:44 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Tonyabelle2

new song new video on the radio

i love you

one big fan

tonya beams

July 14 2009 at 8:54 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Tonyabelle2

like new song and video and movies on tv sitom .one greatest hits all of them

big fan

tonya beams

July 14 2009 at 8:51 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Candie

I have always loved Reba. She has done it all, in my opinion. She is a great singer, and lovable Mom and quite an actress. Her series on TV has been one of much enjoyment. She should be proud of what she has accommplished. My best wishes go out to her and her family. Go, go Reba, we love you!

July 14 2009 at 12:41 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
walter

Reba I love u no matter what anyone says about you,ur the best and i love to hear u sing,How can i sit beside u and hear u sing to me???

July 14 2009 at 11:15 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Shirley Rasmussen

I saw Reba at the opening of the new Cowboys Stadium and she is great. She looks great and sings great. I loved her show "Reba." Love you Reba.

July 14 2009 at 10:51 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Angiebaby

In retrospect, she wishes she had given her son responsibilities. Nothing, IMO, builds a work ethic or self esteem like responsibilities. Today our kids have no responsibilities, and thus, they look for "other" ways to prove themselves and feel empowered. Responsibilities also teach our kids about consequences to actions, and without consequences children do not learn self-control. Today, we blame anything and everything for our kids acting up, except the lack of responsibilities and discipline in the home, schools or any where else.

July 14 2009 at 9:30 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Gina

It has been my experience that most people who say that all kids want is to spend time with their parents. They don't "spoil" their kids by buying them things - B.S. - they are usually the same people who "spoil" themselves because "they are adults" and "they are the ones who earned the money" - let's face it - you people are selfish and greedy - so stop trying to pull the wool over our eyes and your kids eyes. If you can afford to spoil yourself - you can afford to spoil your kid once in a while. Trust me - your kids will remember, alright.

July 14 2009 at 9:02 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Darren

I myself like Rebas OLDER material the best, Her new stuff sucks, and you can see she has had facial surgery. I personally dont care for her acting and i think her tv series sucked, though thats not her fault its the writers

July 14 2009 at 7:53 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply