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Is Dolly Parton In An Open Marriage?

Married since 1966, Dolly Parton and Carl Thomas Dean have a unique relationship, to say the least.

Dolly Parton has been married to her husband, Carl Thomas Dean since 1966. When recently asked about the secret to their 56-year marriage, the Jolene hitmaker said that they “just work so well together.” However, the two have long been rumored to be in an open relationship. The 9 to 5 star addressed it at one point, saying, “Men are my weakness.”

Here’s the truth about Parton’s controversial marriage.

Who Is Dolly Parton’s Husband, Carl Thomas Dean?

Dean is the complete opposite of Parton. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight in January 2023, the latter said of her husband: “He’s kind of a loner, so he doesn’t really like being with anybody but me — when I’m home — I mean, he’s not one to kind of get out there and socialize that much. He loves living on the farm, taking care of the property as he has for all these many years, and then, we just have a lot to talk about.” Dean also runs an asphalt-laying company in Nashville.

Parton added that although Dean isn’t into all that Hollywood biz, he’s always had the same passion for music. “He loves music, but he’s not in the music business at all, so we have different things to talk about, his world and my world, and we work really well together,” explained the I Will Always Love You composer. “We have a lot of love and respect for each other, and I think the key to all of it — we both have a crazy, warped sense of humor, so we have a lot of fun.”

The couple first met at a laundromat in 1964. Parton was 18, and Dean was 21. “I’d come to Nashville with dirty clothes,” Parton told the New York Times. “I was in such a hurry to get here — and after I’d put my clothes in the machine, I started walkin’ down the street, just lookin’ at my new home, and this guy hollered at me, and I waved. Bein’ from the country, I spoke to everybody. And he came over and, well, it was Carl, my husband.”

“My first thought was I’m gonna marry that girl,” Dean later said of their meet cute. “My second thought was, ‘Lord she’s good lookin.’ And that was the day my life began.”

Is Dolly Parton In An Open Marriage With Carl Thomas Dean?

In her book Dolly on Dolly, Parton set the record straight on her “open relationship” with her husband.

“Men are my weakness,” she said. “Short, fat, bald or skinny — I’ve had crushes on some very unusual men but Carl knows I’ll always come home and I’m not having sex with these people — I’m just flirting and having fun.”

She added: “He is not jealous and I’m not jealous of him. He knows I flirt. He flirts too. Yes, it’s an open relationship, but not sexually and I would kill him if I thought he was doing that. He would shoot me too. At the end of the day we love each other madly.”

In 2008, she also clarified that Dean didn’t have an affair with the bank teller that inspired Jolene. “She got this terrible crush on my husband,” she told NPR.

“And he just loved going to the bank because she paid him so much attention. It was kinda like a running joke between us — when I was saying, ‘Hell, you’re spending a lot of time at the bank. I don’t believe we’ve got that kind of money.’ So it’s really an innocent song all around, but sounds like a dreadful one.”

Years later, she told the crowd at the Glastonbury Festival in Somerset, England that she eventually “got rid” of the teller. “I wrote that years ago when my husband … was spending a little more time with Jolene than I thought he should be,” she shared. “I put a stop to that. I got rid of that redhead woman in a hurry.”

Does Dolly Parton Have Kids?

Parton and her husband don’t have any children. “I don’t know that I won’t have children someday,” said the Guinness record-breaker back in 1977. “But it’s just not possible for me to bear children and leave them for somebody else to raise while I have a career. If I wait until I’m naturally too old to have children, I can always adopt them.”

The fan-declared saint added: “When I listen to my own things, I think to myself, ‘I was the mother of that.’”

A recent incident involving a car crashing into the walls of a royal palace has stirred up a frenzy of speculation and controversy, leaving many questions unanswered and rumors swirling.

The incident, which occurred shortly after the departure of Kate, has sparked a wave of speculation about the circumstances surrounding the crash and the possible involvement of the royal family.

Initially assumed to be an accident, doubts have arisen about the true nature of the incident, with some suggesting that it may have been an attempt to escape rather than a mere mishap. The lack of clarity from the royal family has only fueled the speculation, leading to rampant conjecture about what truly transpired that day.

Amidst this backdrop of intrigue, discussions about the perfect man, often associated with Henry Cavill, have taken center stage. His charm and charisma have captivated many, but recent revelations have shed light on the challenges he faces as an actor navigating the murky waters of Hollywood. Cavill’s candid remarks about the objectification he faces in the industry highlight the pervasive influence of sensationalism over substance, prompting reflection on the true value of talent and artistry in entertainment.

Furthermore, insights into the contractual nature of celebrity relationships have surfaced, exposing the facade behind many high-profile romances. From Taylor Swift’s alleged contractual arrangements to Lupita Nyong’o’s strategic public image management, the revelations underscore the complexities of fame and the lengths to which individuals will go to maintain their public personas.

The narrative takes a darker turn as allegations of racism and discrimination within the royal family come to light, following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s revelations about their experiences. The incident involving the car crash at the palace serves as a stark reminder of the underlying tensions and power dynamics within the institution, prompting uncomfortable questions about accountability and transparency.

As the dust settles on these revelations, one thing remains clear: the allure of celebrity often masks a reality far more complex and nuanced than meets the eye. Behind the glitz and glamour lie untold stories of struggle, manipulation, and resilience, challenging our perceptions of fame and fortune.

In conclusion, the recent events surrounding the royal palace incident and the ensuing revelations about celebrity culture offer a sobering glimpse into the darker side of fame. As the public grapples with the fallout from these revelations, it serves as a reminder of the importance of questioning narratives, seeking truth, and holding power to account, even in the most glamorous of worlds.

Carl Thomas Dean Lives A Very Secretive Life Despite Being Married To Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton has explained why her husband has stayed out of the spotlight after being married to a legend for more than 50 years.

 

In 1966, Dolly Parton and a man named Carl Dean Thomas tied the knot. As of the time of this writing, Parton and Thomas have been married for more than fifty years and there is no indication their relationship will ever end in divorce.Given that Thomas has been married to one of the most beloved stars of her generation, you’d probably think there would be loads of photos of him with Parton. While it certainly is possible to find photos of Parton and Thomas online, very few images of the couple together are available publicly.Related: Twitter Continues To Love Dolly Parton As She Uses Royalties From ‘I Will Always Love You’ To Invest A Black NeighborhoodSince Parton has been revealing secrets about her life and career in recent months, fans have learned more and more about who she is. However, there is a major fact about Parton’s life that most of her fans don’t know about.While it is common knowledge among Parton’s fans that she has been married for decades, many of her followers know next to nothing about her husband. Most notably, a lot of Parton’s fans don’t know why her husband has barely ever appeared by her side in public.

How Has Dolly Parton Stay Married For So Long?

During Dolly Parton’s life, she has accomplished a long list of extremely impressive things. That said, one of her most impressive achievements has got to be her commitment to longevity.

As of the time of this writing, Parton is 76 years old according to Wikipedia and her career is still going strong after decades in the business. On top of that, when Parton celebrated fifty years of being married to Carl Dean Thomas, she did so by proving her commitment once again by renewing her vows.

Before Parton and Thomas walked down the aisle, they had an unusual first meeting. According to reports, soon after Parton moved to Nashville, she was at a laundromat cleaning her clothes when Thomas drove by.

Struck by Parton even from afar in his car, Thomas reportedly stopped to warn Dolly she would get a sunburn in the revealing clothes she was wearing. Years later when the couple celebrated their 50th anniversary, Thomas revealed what went through his mind during that first meeting with Dolly.

“My first thought was I’m gonna marry that girl. My second thought was, ‘Lord she’s good lookin’. And that was the day my life began. I wouldn’t trade the last 50 years for nothing on this earth.”

During a 2019 interview that will be touched on more later in this article, Parton spoke about the key to her marriage lasting so long.

“I always joke and laugh when people ask me what’s the key to my long marriage and lasting love. I always say ‘Stay gone!’ and there’s a lot of truth to that. I travel a lot, but we really enjoy each other when we’re together and the little things we do.”

Why Dolly Parton’s Husband Carl Dean Thomas Avoids The Spotlight

In this day and age, one thing has become extremely clear, virtually everyone wants to be famous. After all, many people are either uploading videos on YouTube or posting on social media in hopes of being discovered and becoming a star.

Unlike young people who dream of being YouTubers someday, it has been clear for a very long time that Dolly Parton’s husband doesn’t want to be in the spotlight. Instead, it has clearly always been Carl Dean Thomas’ desire to support Parton from the sidelines.

In 2019, Parton appeared at an event to celebrate the premiere of her Netflix series Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings. While on the red carpet at that event, an interviewer for People asked Parton about her longtime husband. In response, the country legend explained that she understands that her husband doesn’t want to attend industry events.

“He’s always supporting me as long as I don’t try to drag him in on it. He’s always been my biggest fan behind the scenes, but he’s at home. I don’t think they’re probably showing much of this on TV and if they do, he might see it. But anyway, he’d never come dragging around,”

From there, Parton went on to say something that might shock some people. “I’d rather bring somebody else with me, you know?” However, Parton went on to explain that Thomas is fine with her bringing other people on red carpets. “He’s never jealous of that either.”

Even though Parton didn’t outright say that she doesn’t want to bring her husband to events because he hates them, that seemed to be the implication. After all, according to the Daily Mail, Thomas once attended an industry event with Parton but then he told her that he wasn’t going to do that again.

“Dolly, I want you to have everything you want, and I’m happy for you, but don’t you ever ask me to go to another one of them dang things again!”

Ashley McBryde Dresses As Reba McEntire To Prank Dierks Bentley During Hot Country Knights Set [WATCH]

Ashley McBryde joined the Beers on Me Tour with Dierks Bentley and Travis Denning back in May, building close relationships with everyone on the tour. So when the tour came to a close in late August, she decided to go…

Ashley McBryde; Photo Courtesy of TikTok

Ashley McBryde joined the Beers on Me Tour with Dierks Bentley and Travis Denning back in May, building close relationships with everyone on the tour. So when the tour came to a close in late August, she decided to go out with a fiery, fancy bang.

The “Girl Going Nowhere” singer shared a portrait of her road family from the Beers on Me Tour, hinting at possible mischief in her caption, “Family portrait time. This has been our road family since May 2022. Meals together, laughs together, weird-to-navigate-times together and most importantly, SHOWS together. Dierks, makes it so easy to feel like family. I’m grateful to get to work with every person pictured here. It’s sad to see it come to an end. But I’m so damn happy it happened and I’m looking forward to working together again. Now then. Time for pranks. #beersonmetour #dierksbentley #travisdenning #hotcountryknights #ourladyofthehighway”

McBryde followed through on that prank promise, surprising Bentley on stage while dressed as Reba McEntire.

In a TikTok post, McBryde shared a video of herself wearing a wig of long, curly red hair, a black western shirt, denim shirt, and black cowboy boots. While removing her wig after walking off stage, she says, “We just pulled our first really successful prank off on Dierks. We went out as Reba and her band. And that concludes the Beers on Me Tour for us.”

@ashleymcbrydemusic

Gotcha @dierksbentley 😏 whatcha think, did I make a good @Reba McEntire? #prank #reba #beersonme

♬ original sound – Ashley McBryde

The video continues, showing McBryde standing side stage while Bentley’s Hot Country Knights band performs. She then makes her grand entrance, performing Reba’s “Little Rock” alongside Bentley’s alter ego Doug Douglason.

She captioned the clip, “Gotcha @dierksbentley 😏 whatcha think, did I make a good @Reba McEntire? #prank #reba #beersonme”

The Hot Country Knights showed McBryde some love after the performance on Instagram, teasing her appearance at the Seven Peaks Festival with the caption “one of our favorite gals will be at @sevenpeaksfest this weekend… counting down the days til we bring the 90s back THIS FRIDAY..!!!!!”

McBryde’s most recent album, Never Will, includes the top 20 single “One Night Standards” and “Martha Divine.”

The Arkansas native, who won the 2021 CMA Music Event of the Year for “Never Wanted to Be That Girl” with Carly Pearce, will be joining select dates of The Judds: The Final Tour along with Martina McBride.

The anticipation surrounding Henry Cavill’s potential entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has reached a fever pitch, with recent reports suggesting that the actor may portray the character Vuln in Deadpool 3. This news has sparked excitement among fans, who are eager to see Cavill make his mark in yet another iconic superhero franchise.

The speculation about Cavill’s involvement in Deadpool 3 stems from various sources, including a news report hinting at his casting as Vuln, a character known for his enigmatic persona and formidable abilities. According to the report, Cavill’s portrayal of Vuln would mark his debut in the Marvel Universe, adding another dimension to his already illustrious career as a superhero actor.

However, amidst the excitement, questions linger about the nature of Cavill’s role and its significance in the MCU. The concept of fan service, a term often used in the realm of entertainment, holds particular relevance in this context. In the MCU, fan service refers to the inclusion of characters primarily to appease and attract audiences, rather than serving a crucial narrative purpose.

While fan service can undoubtedly enhance the viewing experience for audiences, it also raises concerns about the depth and longevity of a character’s presence in the franchise. The MCU has seen instances where characters are introduced merely for fan service, only to be sidelined or recast in subsequent films, diminishing their impact on the overarching storyline.

In Cavill’s case, his potential role as Vuln prompts speculation about the extent of his involvement in the MCU beyond Deadpool 3. Will Cavill’s portrayal of Vuln be a one-time appearance, akin to other instances of fan service in the franchise? Or could it signal a more significant role for the actor in future Marvel projects?

The uncertainty surrounding Cavill’s future in the MCU reflects the complexities of balancing fan expectations with the need for substantive storytelling. As fans eagerly await further updates, it remains to be seen how Cavill’s rumored entry into the Marvel Universe will unfold and whether it will transcend the realm of fan service to leave a lasting impact on audiences.

In conclusion, Henry Cavill’s rumored role as Vuln in Deadpool 3 offers an intriguing glimpse into the dynamics of fan service within the MCU. While the prospect of Cavill joining the Marvel Universe is undeniably exciting, it also raises questions about the significance of his character and the broader implications for the franchise’s narrative trajectory. As fans eagerly anticipate Cavill’s potential debut, they remain hopeful that his involvement will contribute meaningfully to the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe.

WATCH: Reba McEntire Surprises Kansas Teacher With $10,000 Donation & Free Concert Tickets

One of Reba McEntire’s biggest fans just received the surprise of a lifetime! Katie Banks-Todd, a passionate drama teacher from El Dorado, Kansas, was honored during one of her recent shifts at school. Unbeknownst to her, she was the winner…

Katie Banks-Todd, Reba McEntire; Photo Courtesy of One Country/YouTube

One of Reba McEntire’s biggest fans just received the surprise of a lifetime! Katie Banks-Todd, a passionate drama teacher from El Dorado, Kansas, was honored during one of her recent shifts at school. Unbeknownst to her, she was the winner of a prize. And she received that prize from the three-time GRAMMY winner, McEntire herself.

McEntire teamed up with One Country to give Banks-Todd a check worth $10,000 to go toward her school’s music/arts program. Banks-Todd was also given a bonus gift – concert tickets to McEntire’s show at Intrust Bank Arena. The giveaway was all part of One Country’s Ultimate Christmas Giveaway, which pays it forward to a deserving teacher that makes a difference by supporting music and arts education in rural communities.

A video posted on the charitable giveaway company’s website shows the sweet moment when Banks-Todd gets pulled away from her drama classroom to receive the heartwarming surprise.

Reba McEntire Surprises Teacher With $10,000 Donation To Her School’s Music/Arts Program

In this clip, as shown above, kids can be seen inside the El Dorado High School commons, waiting for Banks-Todd to arrive. But as with her, they’re unaware of what’s about to happen.

“People are confused. Super excited. Everybody’s wondering what’s going on,” EHS Principal Erin Nichols tells the person filming the video.

Once Banks-Todd arrives in the commons, her students give her an enormous round of cheers. McEntire, then, appears on a giant screen to tell Banks-Todd why she had been pulled away from her classroom.

“Hey Katie, this is Reba McEntire. I heard about the amazing work you’re doing to support children in the arts in your hometown. Way to go!” McEntire says in the clip. “I just love hearing about people like you. In fact, our friends at One Country love you so much. They wrote you a check for $10,000 to support your local music/arts program. I’d also like to invite you to my show tomorrow night. So you can have a night off to relax and have fun with us.”

Reba McEntire; Photo Courtesy of One Country/YouTube

Katie Banks-Todd Graciously Thanked Her Students

After hearing from McEntire, Banks-Todd’s reaction is priceless. Her jaw drops at the news, and she can’t help but try to hold back her tears.

“I love you guys! I love Reba!” she says when she’s handed the microphone. “Oh my gosh! This is so fancy! Wow. That’s incredible. I’m shaking. I don’t know what to say except thank you, very, very, very much.”

Indeed, Banks-Todd is a deserving candidate for the gift. Banks-Todd returned to her hometown following a successful career on Broadway. Part of her dream has been to support children in music and the arts through her extensive educational knowledge and prior experience. She currently teaches at multiple formal learning institutions, including El Dorado High School and El Dorado Middle School.

“The kids love her. Parents love her. She’s like a singing whisperer. She can make anyone a singer. You can come into her with no talent whatsoever. But, if you just have the drive to learn, she can teach you,” Lori Christy, the bookkeeper at El Dorado High School, emotionally shared with Banks-Todd. “To watch your kid fall in love with something because of one person is pretty awesome as a parent. No one deserves this more than that woman. She’s the best. But anyone who meets her would know that. So, love you, Katie.”

Reba McEntire; Photo Courtesy of Elisabeth Garcia

“She’s always just upbeat, and even when you can tell she’s a little bit frustrated and tired, she always just finds a way to bring happiness and joy into the room,” one of Banks-Todd’s students adds. “The whole room lights up whenever she walks in.”

Footage in the clip also features Banks-Todd having the time of her life at McEntire’s show.

Gina Carano addressed Henry Cavill’s passion for his work and implied why he was the best Superman.

Gina Carano’s Short-Lived Romance With Henry Cavill

Securing a place in Henry Cavill’s rather short dating list, The Mandalorian alum Gina Carano enjoyed a fulfilling romance with the actor. Beginning to date in the fall of 2012, as per US Weekly, the duo made headlines after sources revealed their romance to the outlet. According to reports, as things were getting serious between Cavill and Carano, insiders opened up about their romance.

Gina Carano in a still from Disney’s The Mandalorian

However, soon within two years of dating, Henry Cavill and Gina Carano seemingly split. Breaking off their relationship in 2014, the duo had an amicable split. Ever since then, Cavill and Carano have dated other stars, but have been in contact with each other. Thereafter, the actress has often spoken fondly of her romance with the DC actor, during several interviews.

Gina Carano Offers Her Compliment to Ex-Boyfriend Henry Cavill

According to a recent interview the PDB podcast, Gina Carano is seen offering sweet compliments to her ex-boyfriend Henry Cavill. Opening up about her short-lived romance and amicable split, the actress is heard talking about the best aspects of Cavill. Addressing his hard-working nature and passion for stagecraft, Carano even spoke about Cavill as Superman.

“How was he by the way? You talking about Henry Cavill, right? Personality wise he gives me the vibe of a very cool cat.” podcast host Patrick Bet-David noted.

“He is wonderful. He’s a professional. He’s just passionate, I’d say… you know I think he’s just so passionate like you know in Batman vs Superman, you’ve got well Zack Snyder who’s amazing. He’s a super Batman fan, right? So Ben Affleck’s got the writer. And so Henry is over here, we gotta get some — we wanna make sure that we don’t forget about Superman. And so he was such a wonderful Superman. And he loved that more than anything.” Carano shared.

Henry Cavill as Superman in a still from Batman vs Superman

Speaking about Henry Cavill’s passion for work and how much effort he put into his character as Superman, Gina Carano spoke words that touched fans. Just like the actress noted during the podcast, Cavill indeed put his all into his role and turned Superman immortal in fans’ hearts.

Henry Cavill Was the Best Superman DC Could Ever Have

Despite Henry Cavill turning Superman into an immortal superhero for DC fans, and gradually becoming synonymous with the role, he was eventually replaced when James Gunn took over DC studios. When the co-CEO first broke the news that Cavill would not appear as Kal-El in the upcoming Superman reboot, fans were crushed. A firestorm of criticism began against Gunn, as fans considered the decision ridiculous.

Lamenting over the news of Henry Cavill’s replacement as Superman, fans almost began boycotting DC. Well, the reaction was certainly not overdramatic, for we all believe that Cavill served as the perfect Superman, during his tenure. Given the actor’s dedication, as noted by Gina Carano during the podcast, no one can replace Cavill as Kal-El. For David Corenswet, who is set to appear next, it’s going to be a rather difficult task to fill in his predecessor’s big shoes.

Henry Cavill as Superman in Man of Steel

Henry Cavill not only looked like the comic-book version of Superman but he was also built like him. The actor’s physical appearance was truly phenomenal and very similar to what die-hard comic-book fans have imagined. Meanwhile, his prolific acting skills, personality, and determination are something that made him stand out as Superman. Whether pulling off the duality of Superman and Clark Kent or giving the character heart, there’s no doubt that Cavill was perfect as the DC character.

James Bond 007 is one name that evokes a lot of excitement. Over the years, we heard many speculations about who would be the next Bond.

There were 25 films about the British spy, and the last one was in 2021. Ever since Daniel Craig left the role, the slot had been empty. And now, we have news that a Marvel actor we all know is the next James Bond.

No shortage of great actors

Henry Cavill was in the running even before Daniel Craig got signed on. Cavill was also excited to get the part. In 2020, he said, “I would love to play Bond, it would be very, very exciting.” Likewise, Tom Hardy, Chris Evans, and a young Damson Idris also lined their hopes up to feature in the esteemed spy thriller.

For a long time, tabloids wrote about how Idris Elba would be great for the part, and that he could make the first black James Bond. But Elba, aged 51, thought that if he took up the offer, he would have to continue until 66 if he did at least 4-5 films. “I might now be “too old” to take on the role,” he said.

Next James Bond Aaron Taylor-Johnson Kraven the Hunter MCU

What did past Bond actors say?

Pierce Brosnan, who had a successful run in the Bond films, portraying the titular character, had some opinions. When he spoke to BBC, he said that fellow Irishman Cillian Murphy was his pick for 007. The Oscar-winning “Oppenheimer” actor would be “magnificent” in his view.

But after Craig, no one was suitable to fill the big shoes of James Bond. Per experts, the new Bond“is not just a red-carpet suit and a timepiece endorsement arm.” He must have qualities like “ Be a movie star, an ambassador for the series and cinema, British, and the face of a billion-dollar endorsements.”

And now, they have found such a person – none other than Marvel actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

British James Bond will wear the iconic tuxedo

British actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who played Pietro Maximoff, aka, Quicksilver in the 2015 film “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” He is also shooting for the upcoming MCU spinoff film “Kraven the Hunter.” Apparently, he received a formal offer from the makers to play the 007 spy in the 26th Bond film after 2021’s “No Time to Die.”

For many days, they have been denying the rumours. Taylor-Johnson said, “It is charming and wonderful that people see me in that role.” But he didn’t confirm nor deny it until now.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe actor also appeared in Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet.” 33-year-old Aaron Taylor-Johnson is also famous for his roles in “Kick-Ass” and “Bullet Train.” He won a Golden Globe for “Nocturnal Animals.”

Reba McEntire is a woman of many talents. She can sing, she can dance, she can act and she can do something to a bull that very few (if any) country women would ever dream of doing. But that’s just one of the many facts about the country superstar that may surprise you.

Although she’s a country music icon now, McEntire’s career got off to a rocky start. Her first single, “I Don’t Want to Be a One Night Stand,” arrived in 1978, but it was a bust. Her next four singles also failed to make an impression, but slowly, things began to change. In 1979, she scored a Top 20 hit, and a year later, she cracked the Top 10. Finally, in 1982, “Can’t Even Get the Blues” hit No. 1, and the most famous redhead in country music history hasn’t looked back.

Fans who’ve followed her for more than 40 years might know most of these 10 things about McEntire, but there is bound to be a surprise or two. The less committed fan will see this iconic singer differently by the end of this list.

10 Surprising Things You Never Knew About Reba McEntire:

1. She’s pals with former President George H. W. Bush.

Tommaso Boddi, Getty Images

1. She’s pals with former President George H. W. Bush.

In 2006, McEntire told Entertainment Weekly that she and the former president keep in touch via email. “Matter of fact, I was in New York one time during the World Series watching the game, and I saw President Bush and Barbara sittin’ behind home plate. I get on my Treo, and I e-mail him, ‘Hey, I see you on TV. Have a hot dog for me.’ I see him elbowing Barbara, and pointin’ down to his Treo. Then he’s just workin’ on it. Pretty soon I get a message back from him: ‘Wait ’til so-and-so gets up to bat, and I’ll wave at ya.’”

2. ‘Reba’ was almost called ‘Sally’.

Kevin Winter, Getty Images

2. ‘Reba’ was almost called ‘Sally’.

True story! McEntire’s hit WB television show Reba almost had a different name. Actually, it almost had a completely different lead! McEntire tells country radio DJ Bobby Bones that the show was actually meant to star iconic actor Sally Field (hence the show’s name). When Field turned the project down, McEntire stepped in, but producers wanted to keep the show’s (and her character’s) name the same; in fact, they even taped two versions of the pilot episode, one with her character’s name as Sally and one with her name as Reba.

It gets even wilder, though: During “upfronts” — when a network promotes its lineup — McEntire says the show was called Deep in the Heart, because it’s set in the Houston, Texas, area. It wasn’t until the very last minute that the show’s title was changed to Reba — and, really, thank goodness it was!

3. Wynonna Judd was the first choice for her “Does He Love You” duet partner.

Kevin Winter, Getty Images

3. Wynonna Judd was the first choice for her “Does He Love You” duet partner.

McEntire’s 1993 duet with Linda Davis was originally intended to be with another country legend. She once told Country Weekly that her label was pushing for Wynonna Judd to share vocals on “Does He Love You,” a song that produced a somewhat controversial and definitely dramatic music video. McEntire wanted Davis (mother to Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum), so she suggested that Davis record it as a fill-in. “But she just knocked it out of the ballpark,” McEntire says — so they kept her.

4. She passed on a No. 1 hit for George Strait.

David Becker, Getty Images for SiriusXM

4. She passed on a No. 1 hit for George Strait.

George Strait’s No. 1 hit from 1984 could have gone to McEntire, but the singer says she passed on “Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind” because it made a reference to beer. The song ended up as the title track on Strait’s fourth album, and McEntire notched her own No. 1 hit that year with “How Blue.”

5. In her spare time, she enjoys photography.

Jason Kempin, Getty Images for ACM

5. In her spare time, she enjoys photography.

Yeah, McEntire somehow has spare time. She tells  the Boot that she loves to “piddle” with her camera (“I love when people send me pictures that I don’t have,” she adds). Other things she enjoys doing her spare time: trap and skeet shooting, and going on vacations.

6. There are three singing McEntires.

Amy Sussman, Getty Images

6. There are three singing McEntires.

Reba isn’t the only McEntire with a country hit. Her brother Pake scored a Top 5 hit with “Savin’ My Love for You” in 1986, and her sister Susie is a gospel singer. When they were young, the family band was quite a local sensation; they played rodeos throughout the Midwest until Reba went off to college. All three were accustomed to life on the road by that point, so when she set off on her own, she often knew how to handle a map better than her bus driver.

7. Faith Hill auditioned for her band, but …

David J. Phillip, Getty Images

7. Faith Hill auditioned for her band, but …

She didn’t get the job. Hill was looking to be a backup singer, but McEntire says she didn’t think the future star was right for the gig. It ended up being a life-saving rejection: Paula Kay Evans was the singer who got the job, and she was one of McEntire’s eight band and crew members killed in a plane crash near San Diego, Calif., in March of 1991. Hill says she doesn’t think fate had anything to do with it: “I wasn’t a great background singer, and I didn’t get the part,” she tells Larry King.

8. She “tended” to the bulls.

Ethan Miller, Getty Images

8. She “tended” to the bulls.

In her 1995 autobiography, McEntire talks about her early days with the bulls: It was her job to help castrate them, and afterward, she and her two sisters would carry a bucket of testicles to the house and clean them.

“We called them mountain oysters,” she writes (quote via Country Weekly). “Then we’d take them in to Mama, and she’d slice them thin, roll them in flour and fry them in hot grease in a huge cast-iron skillet. I was literally raised on mountain oysters.”

Is it any wonder the singer became a superstar in a industry dominated by men?

9. After that plane crash, she turned to Waylon Jennings.

Isaac Brekken, Getty Images for ACM

9. After that plane crash, she turned to Waylon Jennings.

You see, Jennings had given up his seat on the plane that crashed on Feb. 3, 1959, killing Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and others, so he was one of very few people who could relate to McEntire’s anguish. In her autobiography, she tells how he encouraged her not to feel guilty: “It wasn’t meant for you to be on that plane or you would have been. So don’t blame yourself, and don’t feel guilty,” she says Jennings told her.

10. She wanted to be a teacher.

Ethan Miller, Getty Images

10. She wanted to be a teacher.

McEntire’s mom was a schoolteacher, and the future star majored in elementary education at Southeastern Oklahoma State University while minoring in music. Raise your hand if you wish this country legend was the one teaching you the “three Rs” all those years ago … We imagine she’d be the Mary Poppins of the classroom!

Read More: 10 Surprising Things You Never Knew About Reba McEntire | https://tasteofcountry.com/reba-mcentire-things/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

Reba McEntire is one of the undisputed queens of country music, but did you know that the soulful superstar once also scored a hit in the dance charts?

The year was 1995, and McEntire released an album of cover songs titled Starting Over that featured her versions of songs by Patti LaBelle, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and more.

Her rendition of Lee Greenwood’s “Ring on Her Finger, Time on Her Hands” reached No. 9 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Singles chart, and Trisha Yearwood and Martina McBride joined Reba for a very special recording of LaBelle’s “On My Own.” But perhaps the most interesting thing about the album was Reba’s cover of the Supremes classic “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” which was treated to a remix by Love to Infinity.

That remix was released to dance clubs across the U.S., reaching No. 2 on Billboard‘s Hot Dance Club Play chart for two weeks in 1996. The video for the song features McEntire in full dance-pop regalia, with thigh-high boots, Dynasty-esque shoulder pads, a headset microphone and hair so huge that the Supremes could have been hiding in it, waiting to jump out and sing background vocals. A troop of dancers completed the ensemble for a video that is truly a one-of-a-kind among McEntire’s repertoire.

As it happens, McEntire doesn’t recall the clip. “I didn’t see the video!” she tells Taste of Country. “‘Keep Me Hangin’ On’? I’m gonna look it up.”

“You Keep Me Hangin’ On” remains Reba’s only dance hit to date.

See Reba McEntire Through the Years:

Shelby’s Birth

Instagram: @reba

Shelby’s Birth

“Look what God gave us 25 years ago!!! Happy birthday Shelby!! @shelbyblackstock #bestdayever #thankyouGod #thankyounarvel #momclub”

The McEntires

Instagram: @reba

The McEntires

“25 years ago tonight, my water broke. @shelbyblackstock started making his way into the world. Mama, Daddy with me and Shelby.”

Pregnant Reba

Instagram: @reba

Pregnant Reba

“Seems like yesterday! This was December 3, 1989. Pregnant with Shelby. Alice and Mama were with me in Florida at my concert. #Shelby #one’sontheway #flashbackfriday @shelbyblackstock”

Reba’s Payphone

Instagram: @reba

Reba’s Payphone

“And yes that’s how we used to do it when we were out on tour! #goodoledays #payphones #tbt #throwbackthursday”

George Strait: The Original Photobomber

Instagram: @reba

George Strait: The Original Photobomber

“Here is another well-known photo bomber 🙂 @GeorgeStrait A few years back:) #georgestrait #Reba #rebanashicon”

Reba the 5th Grader

Instagram: @reba

Reba the 5th Grader

“Eat your heart out!!!!! 5th grade??? #i’mtoosexyformyhair”

Cowgirl Reba

Instagram: @reba

Cowgirl Reba

“Oh man! I forgot yesterday was Thursday!!!I missed #throwbackthursday So here you go! #tbt we will make this throwback Friday :-)”

Vintage Video Shoot

Instagram: @reba

Vintage Video Shoot

“#tbt @bruceboxleitner @jonsmall on the set of Cathy’s Clown video shoot. :)) #throwbackthursday #bighair #yaywesterns”

Her First Performance!

Instagram: @reba

Her First Performance!

“1st time to sing behind a microphone. 1st grade. #tbt #throwbackthursday”

Reba, the Pink Cowgirl

Instagram: @reba

Reba, the Pink Cowgirl

“#throwbackthursday I don’t think I’ll be wearing this outfit at Caesars June 2015 when I hook up with Brooks and Dunn for our residency 🙂 #tbt #gonnabefun”

How Well Do You Really Know Reba?