Lainey Wilson Praises Her Friend and Mentor Reba McEntire
As one of country music’s biggest stars — and this year’s solo host of the CMA Awards — Lainey Wilson is quick to credit the woman who has helped guide her along the way: Reba McEntire.
Lainey says her admiration for Reba began long before her own rise in country music, but getting to know her personally has only deepened that respect. Now, she often turns to Reba for advice, reassurance, and perspective during both the highs and the challenges of her career.
“I can text Reba and say, ‘What do you do when this happens?’ or ‘What do you do when you’re feeling this way?’” Lainey shared in a previous interview. “And she’ll willingly send me pages of wisdom. That’s how you know why she’s where she is — because people poured into her before, and now she’s willing to pour into others. She’s a good woman.”
What resonates most with Lainey is the authenticity Reba has maintained throughout decades of success. No matter how many awards, accolades, or career milestones she’s earned, Reba has never lost the qualities that define who she is.
“Even watching old interviews of Reba, she’s the same exact person I sat down and had supper with in Los Angeles a few months back,” Lainey said. “What you see is what you get. No amount of awards, money, or stardom will ever take her away from the things that make her who she is — and that’s inspiring to me.”
Reba’s Advice Ahead of the CMA Awards
On Wednesday, November 19, Wilson will host the CMA Awards on her own, without a co-host — a rare honor that places her in elite company. She becomes just the third woman in CMA history to serve as the ceremony’s sole host, following in the footsteps of Reba McEntire.
Speaking with WSM Radio ahead of the big week, Lainey admitted she doesn’t take the responsibility lightly and turned to Reba for guidance.
“It’s some really big shoes to fill,” Lainey said. “So I texted Reba last night and asked, ‘If you have one piece of advice to give me going into this week, what would it be?’ I thought she’d say something like, ‘Just be yourself and have fun’… but she sent me a list.”
That thoughtful response, Lainey says, perfectly sums up why Reba remains not only a country music icon, but a trusted mentor — someone who leads with experience, generosity, and heart.