Reba McEntire has a pretty glitzy roster of friends and fans, and many of them came out to the Kodak Theatre to honor her Thursday night.
Dolly Parton, Barbara Mandrell, Trisha Yearwood and LeAnn Rimes were among the luminaries walking the red carpet before the taping of the tribute, to run as part of Country Music Television’s “CMT Giants” series.
“Well, I said no a couple of times,” McEntire told AP Television. “And, then, finally, they said, ‘No, we’re really serious, and everybody wants to do it.’ And I said, ‘Well, all right.”
The country queen, 51, first found fame with chart-toppers such as “Whoever’s in New England” and “Does He Love You.” She later found success on Broadway in the long-running “Annie Get Your Gun” and in films (“Tremors”). Her TV sitcom, “Reba,” has been up and running since 2001, and was one of the highest-rated shows on the recently disbanded WB network, where it left prime time last spring. The series, however, is still in production and expected to return soon to the WB’s struggling successor, the CW.
Looking down the star-studded arrivals line, McEntire was clearly impressed by the turnout. “Well, it’s very overwhelming,” she noted, “very flattering. I am in hog heaven, to say the least. I am just thrilled to pieces.”
Of course, there was no shortage of praise for McEntire on the red carpet.
“I think we have to surround and celebrate our legends, ’cause we’re losing them,” said Wynonna Judd. “She came before me and paved the way. These strong women, I stand on their shoulders.”
Pop singer Kelly Clarkson gushed praise. “I am here to tell Reba she’s awesome,” she said. “I love her, I adore her. ... She’s just done so many great things, and so many great things for people. She’s just a really great person, amazing.”
The “CMT Giants” special is set to air November 18.