Reba McEntire's long-awaited album, 'Keep on Loving You' was released this week, and the superstar says she chose that title as a tribute to her fans. In an interview with Out.com, a website for the gay community, Reba says that includes all of her fans.Addressing her more conservative fans who may not appreciate or understand her being interviewed in a gay publication, Reba says simply, "I just try not to judge. Don't judge me, and I won't judge you. And that's what it says in the Bible -- 'Don't judge.'"
Keep an open mind," the singer continues. "That would be my voice. I have gay friends. I have a lot of straight friends. I don't judge them. I take them for what they are. They're my friends, and I can't defend my feelings for them, other than I like 'em."
Reba joins Martina McBride as one of her few fellow country artists to be profiled by Out or any other gay publication. Martina's interview appeared on their website earlier this year, just prior to her album, 'Shine,' topping the country chart and hitting the pop Top 10. So, does Reba believe country music is ready for an openly gay artist?
"I can't say for sure," she responds with a laugh, "but anything is possible."
Asked for her thoughts on same-sex marriage, Reba replies, "Again, I can't judge that. I have gay friends who have partners, and I see where they would want to get married. I understand why. So, I can't judge that."
And although for many the issue of gay marriage may be complicated, for Reba and Narvel Blackstock, her husband of 20 years, the secrets to a a successful relationship are simple: "Respect, faith, love, trust, and lots of patience," she offers.
Reba also addresses the challenges of staying in touch with her fans, and how to stay current in the ever-changing musical climate.
"We're all into the computers now," says the tech-saavy entertainer. "I don't know how many computers I own. I'm into Twitter. I tweet all my "Tweebas." I also do the blogs, the chats, and all this Facebook kind of stuff. You've got to stay current and up with the competition. The main thing, though, is finding the greatest songs you can possibly find."
In terms of keeping herself and her music relevant to today's audience - the singer who's been hitting - and topping - the charts since 1976, says, "You have to go with the times. Country music today is what pop was back in the '70s. You listen to '70s pop and by gosh, that's country music today. That's what is so great about being able to record a 13-song album. You can do a very eclectic group of songs. You do have some almost pop songs in there, but you do have your traditional country, story songs. You have your ballads, your happy songs, your sad songs, your love songs, and your feisty songs. If you only had one song you could put out to be heard, it would be like putting out a book a year."






Reader Comments(1 of 90)
junelee0319at 8-20-2009
Good for you Reba...........We, as humans, are not in the position to pass judgement on others.
allmywickedsinsat 8-20-2009
I agree, good for Reba. It's ridiculous to hate someone over something that doesn't even affect you nor hurts anyone. Find a *real* cause to be upset about.
Dan Dailyat 8-20-2009
Oh, don't be silly, she HAS to say that idiot! If she said anything else, it would be equivalent to saying "I don't want their money." She's a business women first, it's all about the money. People like you make me laugh.
Cameronat 8-20-2009
Sorry, Reba and most people are confused about the 'don't judge' scripture. Actually, we, as humans are instructed to lovingly educate people who are engaging in sinful and damaging behavior that what they are doing is wrong to allow them the chance and support to turn away from that sin. To not do so implies that you don't care about them at all. That goes for homosexuality as well as sex outside of marriage, gossiping or any other number of things God judged to be damaging. I don't have to judge someone to know that a certain behavior is wrong- God has already spelled it out. Sorry, Jesus didn't say to the prostitute - 'hey what you're doing is wrong, but it's ok to keep doing it because other people are doing other wrong stuff' - he welcomed her but admonished her to TURN AWAY and SIN NO MORE! That is what compassionate people do when they see someone engaging in damaging behavior.
luddite00at 8-22-2009
Cameron
at 8-20-2009
"Sorry, Reba and most people are confused about the 'don't judge' scripture. Actually, we, as humans are instructed to lovingly educate people who are engaging in sinful and damaging behavior that what they are doing is wrong to allow them the chance and support to turn away from that sin."************ Sorry, Cameron, the "loving education" should be "live and let live," "love thy neighbor," "Judge not, yet ye be judged," and human rights and egalitarianism for all, not for just a select few who believe one of MANY different beliefs. Oppression is oppression, judgement is judgement --- these things are "damaging behaviors" sexual orientation is not.
phattwingat 8-22-2009
The world was created by Adam and Eve not adam and Steve. Reba has lost fans in idaho. thats why are oponions should be kept to themselves. Have fun Reba.
Edwardat 8-22-2009
ah, well she is wrong actually.
because when people come out of the closet instead of clean it, its a sign that the judgment of God is going to be quick,swift and unmerciful.
and people need to stop living that wicked lifestyle. it is an abomination anyway, just because people do live that way, that doesnt mean its ok. and shes wrong if she thinks the bible does agree with the lifestyle. people are not " born homosexual " they choose to be that way, either because of some circumstance or just out of insecurity.. just wanting somewheres to fit it and to be noticed
bwj219at 8-22-2009
Edward you could not be more wrong, I was rasied in a very Catholic household and before I ever knew what the word gay ment I know I was attracked to the same sex. If indeed it's a choice explain that; along with the fact of why would anybody choose to be ritaculed, looked down apon, and the so many other things we go through. The only thing we choose is actually be who we were born to be and not let people like you keep us hidden.
ronat 8-22-2009
i agree with cameron, very well put, i might add that ppl will love sin more than god. and wrong is wrong and right is right, except in this day and age were ppl make excuses for there behavior, ppl dont want the truth, they want lies, lies are easy to follow,truth must be above all
Juneat 8-22-2009
I see Reba, you have sunk to a new low. Apparently you haven't read the Bible whatsoever in the last (what are you now 65?) years? God destroyed an entire city because of homosexuality. HE hasn't changed. You may have, but don't speak for HIM. We don't judge, the Bible does. It's a shame so many people will end up in hell truly because of ignorant remarks such as your own. No we do NOT hate homosexuals, we love all people and hate the sin. What a disappointment you are.....
Malcolm Thomasat 8-22-2009
I believe it's wrong to hate anyone or persecute anyone in any circumstances. But If the word of God is your moral authority it makes it clear that homosexuality is not only sin, but an abomination to God. Leviticus 18:22-23, Lev 20:13. I believe as Christian's we have the moral obligation to be clear about what the bible says, and then love those individuals just the same.
Stephenat 8-22-2009
Without making judgements, a human is less than an insect and ultimately finds him/herself victim of a chaotic existence. I have homosexual friends and had at the onset to judge whether I would embrace them as friends or throw the baggage out-I decided on the former. By the way, a synonym for "judgement" is "choice."
oosp412at 8-22-2009
Cameron- i fail to see how being gay is harmful in any way. And as for the biblical portion of your argument, if there was a god (I'm agnostic by the way)i don't think he would turn you away if you were gay, catholic, and had a partner of the same sex, being gay in no way means incapable of believing in a higher being, but maybe I'm just focusing my reply off the teachings of Martin Luther (Justification by Faith).
sierr110at 8-22-2009
Go ahead Reba I completely agree with you!
cambridgeteddyat 8-22-2009
Better Best Leave Reba alone. This is my gal no matter what. She has a heart bigger than the State of Texas.Even the son of God Loved amd supported all people. The Bible shows that