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Martina McBride shared a heartfelt tribute to Reba McEntire as the beloved country star celebrates her birthday on Thursday (March 28). McBride posted a throwback video of her acceptance speech during the 37th annual Academy of Country Music Awards more than two decades ago, where she included a nod to the “I’m A Survivor” artist.
“I’ve wanted to say this for a couple of years, but I haven’t had the chance to get up here,” McBride said on stage at the now-closed Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, California. “But now that I’m up here, I wanna say that there is a woman who has set the standard for all of us females in country music. She’s a friend, a mentor, an incredible example and an inspiration to all of us. And, of course, I’m talking about Reba McEntire. I just wanna say thank you, Reba, and I’m taking this home in your honor.”
McBride posted the video on her social media pages with a birthday message to McEntire, 69. The Academy of Country Music reported McBride’s video on X, formerly Twitter, and wrote that the ACM Awards moment feels “like it was yesterday!” McBride said McEntire “has truly set the standard and is such an inspiration to all of us females in country music. Thank you for all of the wonderful memories over the years and for being such an incredible artist and person ❤️” Watch the video below.
Happy birthday, Reba!