Fact Check: Does ‘Queen of Country Music’ Reba McEntire suffer from hearing problem?
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The "Queen of Country Music" Reba McEntire is one of the most influential figures in the music industry. She has garnered millions of fans worldwide through her powerful voice, captivating performances, and acting roles in a career spanning over four decades.
However, despite the fame, some persistent rumors about her health have circulated over the years out of which, one of the most common speculation is whether or not Reba McEntire is deaf in real life. So what is truth? Let's find out.
Claim: Reba McEntire suffers from hearing problem
There is no clear origin of the claim that Reba McEntire is deaf or has a hearing problem but it likely stems from her portrayal of characters in film and TV, according to The Flash Line.
In the 1990s, Reba acted in different roles that showcased her acting skills, including portraying characters with physical challenges. For instance, in the popular TV sitcom 'Reba', she portrayed a mother dealing with the complexities of family life.
Even though her character didn’t have hearing loss, the show’s portrayal of family struggles could have led some fans to confuse her on-screen persona with her real life, per the outlet.
Moreover, another possible reason why this rumor has gained much traction online is that people already associate her with hearing loss, due to her previous work with the Starkey Hearing Foundation, according to The List.
Her advocacy for the hard of hearing, along with the fact that she frequently wears earpieces on stage during live performances, could be the reason why so many people believe she is deaf, per the outlet.
False: Reba McEntire doesn't suffer from hearing loss
The claims that Reba McEntire suffers from hearing loss are false and baseless as there is no credible information or medical reports that suggest she is deaf or has significant hearing impairment, according to The Flash Line.
Moreover, throughout her career, McEntire has been seen attending concerts, giving interviews, and performing live with no signs of hearing issues. Her ability to sing and perform at such a high level over the years backs her impeccable hearing and vocal skills.
Furthermore, she has never publicly discussed any issues with her hearing, nor has she ever hinted at being deaf.
While some rumors may have circulated due to her public image or roles in TV shows and films, there is no factual basis for the claim that she is deaf in real life.
Reba McEntire reveals she was real-life ‘cowgirl’ on family’s Oklahoma ranch
In October 2024, Reba McEntire reflected on her childhood days before rising to fame in country music and acting. She recalled starting to work at her family ranch when she was just five years old.
During an interview with the Wall Street Journal, the country music star reflected on her life before achieving fame. She said that she was raised in a family living on an 8,000-acre ranch in Oklahoma, where her father managed several thousand cattle each year.
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She recalled, "I began working on our ranch at age 5. If Daddy needed a driver to move grain in his pickup truck, he came in and got whoever was there. I was so little that Daddy put a 50-pound feed sack on the driver’s seat before putting me on top of it."
She added, "I’d be on my knees to work the steering wheel. He’d put the truck in granny gear, jump out and off I’d go. I didn't play cowgirl growing up. I was one."
