Reba McEntire Remembers the First Person to Reach Out to Lainey Wilson Before Her CMA Hosting Debut.LC
- Reba McEntire shared an encouraging message for Lainey Wilson ahead of the CMA Awards.
- McEntire used a nostalgic video of her first CMA win to inspire Wilson’s upcoming hosting gig.
- Fans expressed strong emotional support for both McEntire and Wilson on social media.
Country superstar Reba McEntire is looking back to share an inspirational message with her friend Lainey Wilson.
McEntire has been supportive of Wilson’s career from the second she jumped on the country music scene. However, they have become closer since appearing on The Voice and collaborating with Miranda Lambert on the hit song “Trailblazer.”
Wilson will follow in McEntire’s footsteps when she hosts the 59th Annual Country Music Association Awards. The “Heart Like A Truck” hitmaker is hosting the awards solo, making her the third woman to hold the honor.
Dolly Parton was the first woman to host the CMAs solo in 1988, with McEntire following suit in 1991. The two country legends hosted the awards ceremony together in 2019 along with Carrie Underwood.
Ahead of her hosting gig, McEntire sent a message to Wilson. The Happy Place star used a throwback to do it. Taking to Instagram, McEntire posted a video clip of her first CMA win back in 1984 for Female Vocalist of the Year.
“You never forget the first one! 🏆 Good luck to all of the nominees at the #CMAawards tonight. And @laineywilson, I know you’re going to do an amazing job hosting. Keep blazin’ that trail, girl!” read the caption on her social media share.
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The throwback and message left country fans in their feels, which was not how one fan had expected to start the day.
“Well, crying at 11:30 this morning was not on my list of things to do, but here I am! 🥹 You deserved it then, and deserve every good thing now, Reba! You will always be my favorite!♥️🙏,” wrote the fan.
Another fan stated, “I remember it like it was yesterday! Much deserved! Always giving your Mom the credit.❤️ wish you were hosting tonight but I know Lainey will do great!”
“Reba has always been beautiful, but how is it that she looks even more beautiful now than she did back then? Where do I buy that serum? 🤷🏻♀️😂,” asked a different fan.
One fan expressed, “Girl, you just made the 12 tear old girl in me cry all over again. Love you, @reba !❤️🔥,” while another shared, “we’re not crying, you are!”
“You’re hands down the greatest female vocalist of all time, an icon! ❤️💃,” insisted a fan. Another fan said, “We Love You @reba!! ❤️❤️.”
Related: Country Superstar Lainey Wilson Floors Fans With Cover of Yungblud’s ‘Zombie’
More fan comments included, “❤️🙌🔥😍today ,tomorrow & forever the best the Queen of country!” “Fast forward to her current legendary iconic status 👏👏👏,” and “And you’re still killing it @reba 👏🏾👏🏾🥰❤️ more than what you wanted. Talent turned legendary icon.”
So much love for Reba McEntire as she spreads love to her friend Lainey Wilson as she gears up to host the 2025 CMA Awards.
The CMA Awards air on Wednesday, November 19, at 8/7c on ABC and the next day on Hulu.
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About the author
Rachelle Lewis has nearly 20 years of experience as an entertainment writer, reporting on breaking television and pop culture news. For the past 15 years, Rachelle has developed expertise in writing about reality TV, soap operas, and celebrity entertainment.
