Reba McEntire, the iconic 70-year-old country music star, has not only captivated audiences with her powerful voice and acting talent but has also navigated profound personal challenges, including loss and health concerns. While Reba hasn't publicly shared her own weight loss journey, she has been open about her approach to health, diet, and fitness. She has also openly discussed the emotional toll of cancer, stemming from the experiences of those closest to her, including the recent passing of her stepson, Brandon Blackstock, after a battle with metastatic melanoma, and the earlier loss of her mother, Jacqueline, to bladder cancer. This article explores McEntire's journey through grief, her approach to health and wellness, and her celebrated career, highlighting her resilience and enduring spirit.
Facing Loss and Finding Strength
McEntire's recent appearance on "The Voice," where she was visibly moved by a contestant's performance of Martina McBride's "I'm Gonna Love You Through It," underscored the deep impact of cancer on her life. The song, about supporting loved ones through cancer, resonated with McEntire due to Brandon Blackstock's passing after a three-year battle with metastatic melanoma.
"Martina's a good friend of mine. I lost my oldest son because he did not win with cancer," McEntire shared tearfully on the show.
Understanding Melanoma
Melanoma, the cancer that claimed Brandon Blackstock's life, is an aggressive form of skin cancer known for its rapid spread. It originates in melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the skin, hair, and eyes.
Dr. Cecilia Larocca of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute emphasizes that melanoma differs significantly from other skin cancers: "Melanoma gets lumped in together as a skin cancer, but it is quite different compared to squamous cell or basal cell."
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Dr. Anna Pavlick, a medical oncologist, explains that modern therapies for stage four melanoma include immunotherapy and targeted drugs like BRAF inhibitors, which are tailored to individual genetic mutations. "There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Every patient’s journey is different," Dr. Pavlick notes.
The Impact of Bladder Cancer
McEntire also experienced the loss of her mother, Jacqueline, to bladder cancer. Bladder cancer develops when cells in the urinary bladder grow uncontrollably, forming tumors.
Dr. Jay Shah, associate professor of urology at Stanford University, explains the diagnostic process: "There are several different tests that we have to do whenever someone has blood in the urine, and these tests are designed to look at the entire urinary tract."
Risk factors for bladder cancer include aging and smoking. Dr. Arjun Balar, a medical oncologist specializing in bladder cancer, advises, "The first and foremost thing for a healthy bladder is, don’t smoke. And I think that’s an obvious suggestion for a number of reasons. But if we can eliminate cancer risks that are related to smoking, that’s probably the most important thing you can do." Exposure to industrial chemicals such as aromatic amines may also increase the risk.
McEntire has spoken about the emotional weight of losing loved ones to cancer, emphasizing the importance of remembering and honoring them through music and memory. "That was a real reminder that life goes on," McEntire said. "We sing songs about it so we can remember the ones around us that we love so much, that we lean on at times like this."
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Coping with Grief and Loss
Losing a loved one to cancer brings immense grief, which can manifest in various stages, including denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These stages can occur in any order, and it's important to approach these emotions with compassion, kindness, and acceptance.
Dr. Scott Irwin, a psychiatrist and Director of Supportive Care Services at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, explains, "Grief comes in waves. They’re grieving the change in their life; the future they had imagined is now different."
Megan Newcomer, who lost a close friend to metastatic cancer, advises, "Acknowledge your feelings. Then, think about a way that you could honor the person through a meaningful mechanism. So that can be artwork, music, or developing a financial fundraising project. It could be something very simple, but I do think having it be intentional, that this is what you’re doing to help honor this person."
Dr. Marianna Strongin suggests reminding yourself that these feelings are "meaningful yet temporary." She adds, "If you approach them with compassion, kindness, and eventually acceptance, you will come away from this period in your life more connected to your resilience and strength."
The Impact on Family
Health challenges can impact the entire family, leading to feelings of helplessness, lack of control, anger, and embarrassment. Researchers have found that chronic diseases can affect family members' psychological and emotional functioning, disrupt leisure activities, affect interpersonal relationships, and strain financial resources.
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Experts recommend forming a strong support system to help families cope with the challenges a diagnosis can bring. These situations can be opportunities to strengthen families and bring them closer together.
Tips for Coping with an Unexpected Diagnosis
Facing a new cancer diagnosis can be stressful and scary. Experts recommend:
- Letting family and close friends know and allowing them to help.
- Keeping a journal to express feelings.
- Joining a cancer support group to connect with others.
- Considering therapy to discuss fears and concerns.
Reba McEntire's Approach to Health and Wellness
While Reba McEntire has not publicly detailed a specific weight loss journey, she has shared insights into her overall approach to health, diet, and fitness.
Embracing a Balanced Diet
McEntire emphasizes the importance of healthy eating, including a daily dose of fruits and greens. She told WebMD in 2015 that she strives for healthy eating, which includes getting her daily dose of fruits and greens and staying mobile by walking, stretching daily, and doing sit-ups. While she enjoys treats like fresh fruit with dessert, she believes in balance.
McEntire also enjoys peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, considering them a filling and well-rounded meal, even as a dinner entree on a rough day.
The Power of Ginger
Ginger is a staple in McEntire's diet, known for its numerous health benefits. "Ginger is good for everything!" she expressed in an interview with First For Women. "We do a lot of smoothies with ginger, protein powder, vitamins, carrots, and beets. The benefit is quick; you don't have to wait for a pill that's in your stomach to dissolve. Smoothies absorb quickly and leave me feeling great."
Indulging in Moderation
McEntire enjoys Mexican food, considering it her number-one choice for a decadent meal. She often prepares her own spicy, flavorful, Southwestern-style meals at home, including her famous Mexican cornbread.
As an Oklahoma native, McEntire also appreciates Southern-style comfort foods from Cracker Barrel. "It's feel-good food," she commented. "Probably not a place you go when you're on a diet, but I always find something to eat there no matter what my weight level. If I'm doing really good, I can have the chicken and dumplings. And if not, I'll have the veggie plate."
McEntire has also admitted to a weakness for Sonic Drive-In's #1 cheeseburger, calling it her "death row meal."
Incorporating Omega-3s
Omega-3 fatty acids are an important part of McEntire's diet, primarily sourced from salmon and supplements. These fatty acids are known to lower blood pressure, maintain healthy heart rhythm, and help prevent strokes.
Staying Hydrated
McEntire emphasizes the importance of water intake for overall health and skin vitality. She stays hydrated by consuming both aloe vera juice and coconut water. "I can't get my mama to drink enough water," the singer posted to her social media pages in 2014, finishing with: "But she loves coconut water. So for those of you who don't like to drink water, try this."
Acknowledging Cravings
Despite her dedication to clean eating, McEntire doesn't shy away from indulging in fast food favorites like Kentucky Fried Chicken. She even took on the role of Colonel Sanders in a series of television ads for the fast food chain.
Sharing Her Love of Food
McEntire's love of food is evident in her original recipes, which have been circulating for years. In 2023, she released her book, "Not That Fancy," which includes many of her favorite recipes, including homemade pinto beans and cornbread. "This is hands-down my favorite food," she says in the book. "I've loved pinto beans and cornbread forever. And I still love them. This is the 'fancy' version we make at the restaurant, but you don't need a fancy occasion to enjoy them."
Her Praline Sweet Potato Casserole is another well-known dish, reflecting her love for sweet potatoes, which she considers the superior Thanksgiving side dish.
A Career of Music and Entertainment
Reba McEntire's career spans over four decades, marked by numerous musical awards and a title as "The Queen of Country." Her powerful voice and acting talent have made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
McEntire released her first single in 1976 and has since become a titan in the music world. She has also had a notable career in film and television, appearing regularly in front of her multitude of fans.