The country queen was among those celebrated during the 2025 Paley Honors Fall Gala
Last night (Mon, Nov 10th), The Paley Center for Media hosted an unforgettable celebration at its 2025 Paley Honors Fall Gala, held at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. The evening paid tribute to three extraordinary leaders: transformative executive Ynon Kreiz, renowned storyteller Bill Lawrence, and entertainment icon Reba McEntire, as each was honored with The Paley Honors Award, the organization’s highest recognition for creative achievement and leadership in media and entertainment.
Actress and host Melissa Peterman (Reba/Happy’s Place) and Grammy Award-winning artist and fellow season 28 The Voice coach Michael Bublé took the stage to honor McEntire, with Bublé making a surprise appearance that drew enthusiastic cheers from the audience.
“I’ve always said I want to find a story or a song that touches my heart and makes me feel something. Because if it touches my heart, when I tell it or sing it, and if I’ve done my job right, hopefully it’ll touch your heart when you hear it,” Reba shares.
“The best thing Reba ever told me was, ‘Don’t you ever belittle the gifts that God gave you.’ It’s the kind of wisdom she shares so effortlessly. She lifts people up just by being who she is,” Peterman said.
“Miss Reba, what an honor to be here. We often get disappointed by the people we meet, but you are the real deal. You’re not just the absolute greatest artist, but you do it with such grace,” Bublé added.
This morning (Tues, Nov 11th), the entertainment icon reflected on the 50th anniversary of the signing of her recording contract that launched her career in 1975.
“50 years ago today, I signed my record deal with PolyGram Mercury (now MCA). I was just 20 years old and had some big ol dreams. 44 albums and 50 years later, it’s safe to say those dreams have come true. I am blessed beyond measure. Thank you for the support over the last 50 years. Somehow, I think the best is still yet to come!” she reflects with a 15-second video that highlights her albums.
The 70-year-old country star recently announced her engagement to celebrated actor and long-time boyfriend Rex Linn. The couple revealed the news ahead of the Emmys in September in Los Angeles. Linn popped the question to the multi-faceted redhead on Christmas Eve last year, but they kept the news private until then.
McEntire is pulling double duty on the NBC this fall. She’s back as a coach on season 28 of The Voice, while her newest sitcom, Happy’s Place, made its season two debut last week. On December 3rd, she’ll host and perform at the annual Christmas at Rockefeller for the first time.
