Only On 9: One-On-One With Oklahoma's Own Reba McEntire

Reba McEntire will go down in history as one of the most famous Oklahomans of all time. Over the last four decades she's become world famous and she's nowhere close to slowing down.

News 9’s Justin Dougherty traveled to Nashville for an interview.

Rumor has it that in the Music City under the neon guitars and inside every honky-tonk, there's always someone working to be somebody.

But one country icon isn't willing to give up her crown so easily, even if she's worn it for nearly 40 years.

"I like competing against my friends. I mean we're all buddies but it's a competition. I mean I don't care if I’m playing dominoes. I like to win," said Reba.

Queen of Country music Reba McEntire developed that work ethic not behind a microphone but behind the wheel, driving her daddy's pickup on their Oklahoma cattle ranch before she could even sing her ABC's.

"Momma said one time about how scrapped up the side of the truck was and daddy said that's my drivers," said Reba.

After being discovered in Oklahoma City, Reba came to Nashville. In 1977, she released her first album and performed at the Grand Ole Opry. From then on, the rest is history.

The hall of famer has sold over 56 million albums, earned 35 top-chart singles, and has won countless awards.

“What do all those numbers mean? What do those say about Reba? "

“All those numbers say about Reba is that she’s doing something right,” said Reba.

She continues to do something right. At 60 years young, Reba has a highly successful Vegas show with Brooks and Dunn and has released her 27th studio album. It is her first album in five years.

“I don’t know how much emotions those first songs had compared to what I can do now. I'm relaxed and I just let it come out my mouth. It comes from my heart and soul," said Reba about how her new album compares to her first.

But something else in 2015 has touched her heart. In August, Reba and her husband of 26 years Narvel Blackstock announced their separation.

11/3/15 Related Story: ONLY ON 9: Reba McEntire Talks Split With Husband

She's relied on faith, family, friends and one other person.

"I’ve been dying to say this in an interview, Cullen Bohannon is the main character on the AMC show “Hell on Wheels,” said Reba.

And he's helped you through this?  

“He's helped me through this,” said Reba.

How so? 

“Well you just have to see him. He's really good looking, he kind of diverts my attention. So God, family, friends and Cullen Bohannon," finished Reba.

Through it all she's continues to be that same Reba from McAlester Oklahoma.

And don't you dare consider her gone.

“I think as long as my body holds up and I can still sing and think and memorize lines I can continue to do this as long as the public will want to see me do this," said Reba.

As for what Reba wants to do next, she mentioned a possible tour with Brooks and Dunn and even said she'd like to do T.V. and Broadway once again.

Also, for more information on the song featured in this story by artist/songwriter Matt Marinchick with Century Music Group visit www.mattmarinchick.com.