The Paley Center for Media to Honor Reba McEntire at Fall 2025 PaleyHonors — A Tribute to a Trailblazing Entertainment Icon
The Paley Center for Media has announced that Reba McEntire, the award-winning singer, actress, producer, and cultural powerhouse, will be among the esteemed honorees at the Fall 2025 PaleyHonors celebration. The recognition marks yet another milestone in the extraordinary career of a woman whose influence spans music, television, film, and philanthropy, and whose presence has remained a defining force in American entertainment for more than four decades.
For fans of the multi-hyphenate star, this honor feels both well-earned and deeply fitting. Reba’s career, built on authenticity and unmatched work ethic, has left a lasting imprint on the entertainment industry. From her chart-topping hits to her acclaimed acting roles, she has continually reinvented herself while staying rooted in the down-to-earth charm that made her beloved from the beginning.
To mark the announcement, the Paley Center revisited a memorable moment from its archives — a 2012 Paley event where Reba spoke candidly about her then-new sitcom, “Malibu Country,” and the inspiration behind her return to television following the enormous success of her long-running series “Reba.”
During that panel, Reba shared that the pull back to television came from something simple and heartfelt: the joy of storytelling. She had missed the creative rhythm of developing characters, building comedic moments, and working with an ensemble cast. “I love connecting with people,” she said at the time, “whether it’s through a song or a scene.”
She also reflected on the unique challenges — and excitement — of acting in front of a live studio audience. While many actors find live tapings daunting, Reba approached them with the confidence of someone who had spent a lifetime commanding stages filled with thousands.
“Performing in front of a studio audience is a lot like singing for one,” she explained. “You feel that energy coming back at you, and it pushes you to give even more. The difference is — if you make a mistake in TV, they don’t let you start the song over!” she joked, earning warm laughter from the crowd.
That blend of humor and humility has always been Reba’s signature. Whether on stage in Nashville, in front of a sitcom audience, or sitting beside fellow artists in an award-show spotlight, she has a rare ability to engage people with honesty and heart. It is this universal appeal — spanning generations, genres, and mediums — that makes her recognition at the 2025 PaleyHonors especially meaningful.
This year’s PaleyHonors celebration will spotlight influential figures whose work has shaped the artistic, cultural, and technological landscape of media. Reba’s inclusion acknowledges her extraordinary impact as a record-breaking country superstar, television lead actress, Broadway performer, film actor, and mentor to younger talent, as well as her behind-the-scenes work as a producer and advocate for charitable causes.
Across the industry, tributes have already begun pouring in. Colleagues describe her as a “once-in-a-lifetime entertainer,” a role model, and a symbol of resilience. Fans praise her for her warmth, her humor, and her unwavering dedication to lifting others up.
As the Paley Center prepares to honor her this fall, one thing is clear:
Reba McEntire is far more than a star — she is an institution, a pioneer, and a beloved storyteller whose artistry continues to shape American entertainment.
And for the millions who have followed her career from honky-tonk stages to television stardom, this recognition is not only deserved
It is long overdue.