Country music superstar Reba McEntire celebrated the 40th anniversary of her induction into The Grand Ole Opry this past Friday, January 16th, and fellow musician Terri Clark presented her with a personalized gift: a dazzling bouquet of 40 succulent, golden brown corndogs!
Celebrations also included a small set performed by and for Reba, including an opening tribute performance of How Blue by surprise guest Trisha Yearwood, who also penned a beautiful letter in her friend’s honor. Check out the letter—as well as a group performance of Reba’s 1994 hit, Why Haven’t I Heard From You, featuring Yearwood, Clark, Kathy Mattea, and Suzy Bogguss—under the cut:
“There are people in your life who mean what you say and say what they mean. Those people are rare, and you’re lucky if you get to call them a friend. Reba, you’re that friend to many. I watched you welcome new artists like me in 1991 to this wonderful and challenging business, but more than that, I watched you really be a friend to all of us. You don’t just say, ‘We ought to get to gether sometime.’ You actually give out your phone number, you make a plan, and then you show up. Reba Freaking McEntire.
You make time for trips, for dinners, for fun group texts, and a hug through tears when we need it. Yes, you are larger than life, but you’re also as real as we all want you to be. How lucky country music is to have you in their corner and how lucky I am to call you my friend. I love you, Reba.
XOXO, Trisha Yearwood.”
ONTD, if you were to receive a bouquet of your favorite things, what would be included?
Sources: 1, 2, 3
