Country superstar Lainey Wilson, who is hosting this year’s CMA Awards, can’t stop singing the praises of her longtime friend and mentor, Reba McEntire.
Lainey says that even before she rose to prominence in country music, Reba inspired her — and now, as a friend, continues to guide her through the challenges of the industry.
“I can text Reba and ask, ‘What do you do when this happens? Or how do you handle this feeling?’ and she willingly sends me pages of wisdom,” Wilson shared. “It’s clear she had people pour into her, and now she does the same. She’s a good woman.”
What Lainey admires most is Reba’s authenticity. Despite decades of fame and success, Reba remains the same person fans see on screen.
“Watching old interviews or even just having supper with her in Los Angeles, it’s the same person,” Lainey said. “Awards, money, stardom — none of that changes what makes her, her. That’s inspiring to me.”
Reba Offers Advice Ahead of CMA Hosting
On Wednesday, November 19, Wilson will make history as the third woman ever to host the CMA Awards solo, following in Reba’s footsteps. Speaking with WSM Radio, Lainey opened up about the excitement and pressure of the week ahead, and the advice she received from her friend.
“It’s some really big shoes to fill, so I don’t take it lightly,” Lainey said. “I texted Reba for one piece of advice, expecting something like ‘just be yourself and have fun,’ and she sent me a whole list.”
With guidance from her mentor and her own natural charisma, Lainey is ready to make her CMA hosting debut unforgettable.