Reba McEntire Reveals the “Three Bones” Secret That Changed Her Life — Wishbone, Funny Bone, and Backbone — Lessons From Her Father That Still Inspire Millions.LC
country music legend Reba McEntire set the world ablaze with her jaw-dropping life advice, revealing in her book Not That Fancy and on TODAY that everyone needs “three bones” – wishbone, funny bone, and backbone – to thrive, with one stealing the spotlight as her ultimate key to success. With millions of albums sold, three Grammys, and timeless hits like “I’m a Survivor,” the Happy’s Place star and The Voice coach isn’t just a music icon—she’s a life guru whose wisdom has fans buzzing with excitement. In riveting interviews with Carson Daly and Hoda Kotb, Reba left audiences stunned as she unpacked the meaning of each “bone” and shared how her father Clark McEntire’s “work hard, play hard” rules shaped her from a small-town Oklahoma girl to a global superstar. Her words have sparked a social media frenzy, with fans hailing her advice as a game-changer for life’s toughest challenges. Which bone does Reba say is the must-have, and why? Dive into the electrifying story that’s inspiring millions and rewriting the rules of success!
Reba McEntire, now 70, has dominated country music for over four decades, from Oklahoma rodeos to Hollywood stardom, earning a star on the Walk of Fame and coaching on The Voice. During her 2023 TODAY appearance, Carson Daly probed a standout quote from Not That Fancy about the “three bones” essential for life. “Wishbone, funny bone, and backbone—you need all three to conquer anything,” Reba declared with her signature grin. She explained that the wishbone represents dreams and goals, urging you to speak them aloud. “Set goals, say them out loud, and the universe and your subconscious will help make them happen,” she said, sparking nods from viewers and X posts calling it a “golden formula” for achievement.
Next, Reba described the backbone as the drive and grit to turn dreams into reality. “It’s the fortitude to keep pushing through challenges,” she told Daly, who dubbed it a “life toolkit.” But it was her emphasis on the funny bone that stole the show. In a 2021 TODAY chat with Hoda Kotb, Reba insisted: “The funny bone is the most important—you gotta laugh, whether you’re messing up or soaring.” She stressed that humor lets you brush off failures without spiraling. “When things go wrong, don’t beat yourself up—just laugh, learn, and do better next time,” she said, prompting fans on X to rave about her infectious optimism, with one writing: “Reba’s funny bone advice is why she’s unstoppable!”
Reba’s wisdom stems from her father, Clark McEntire, a rodeo champion who instilled a “work hard, play hard” ethos in Reba and her siblings—Alice, Pake, and Susie—while growing up on an Oklahoma ranch. In Not That Fancy, Reba shared Clark’s strict but meaningful rules: no cards or TV during the day, and no flaunting money. “Daytime was for work, evenings for fun,” she wrote, explaining how these principles shaped her balance of discipline and joy. From tending cattle to singing at local gigs, Reba learned the value of hard work but also cherished family singalongs, a duality that still defines her. “Dad taught us effort comes first, but you’ve got to enjoy life too,” she shared, moving fans with her heartfelt nod to her roots.
Reba’s story resonates far beyond music, inspiring millions. On X, #RebaWisdom trended as fans shared how they’re applying her “three bones” to their lives. One wrote: “Reba’s right—dreams, grit, and a laugh get you through anything!” Others were touched by her humble beginnings, with a comment noting: “From Oklahoma ranch to global star, Reba’s heart stays real.” Pundits like Daly and Kotb hailed her as a “life mentor,” praising her ability to weave simple yet profound lessons. Her career, spanning Happy’s Place and The Voice, embodies her philosophy, as she’s navigated divorce, loss, and fame with unwavering humor and strength.
Even at 70, Reba’s embrace of age reflects her funny bone. “I’m happier than ever because I can laugh at myself,” she told TODAY, inspiring those grappling with aging or setbacks. As Happy’s Place Season 2 premieres November 7 on NBC and Peacock, fans are eager to see Reba’s next chapter, both onscreen and off. Her “three bones” aren’t just a success recipe—they’re a reminder that dreams, resilience, and a good laugh can conquer all. From Oklahoma to the world stage, Reba McEntire’s journey proves that with a wishbone, funny bone, and backbone, anything is possible, and her story is setting the internet on fire with inspiration.
