In the glittering heart of New York City, where the spirit of the season transforms skyscrapers into shimmering wonderlands, one of country’s most enduring icons is about to make her mark on a timeless tradition. Reba McEntire, the fiery-haired powerhouse whose voice has serenaded generations through heartbreak and joy, has been tapped to host the 2025 edition of Christmas in Rockefeller Center. This isn’t just another gig for the 70-year-old legend—it’s a dream come true, a chance to bundle up against the December chill and usher in the holidays under the glow of one of the world’s most famous Christmas trees. Announced just days ago, the news has sent waves of excitement through fans, blending McEntire’s down-home charm with the upscale sparkle of Manhattan’s holiday extravaganza.
For McEntire, stepping into the host’s spot on December 3 feels like destiny wrapped in a red bow. “I’m really excited to get to go to New York City in December,” she shared with a mix of wide-eyed wonder and practical grit. “I’ve never been there in December. To see all the Christmas decorations and to get to be a part of the tree lighting ceremony, Rockefeller Center—it’s something that I’ve always wanted to do, and I’m honored that they asked me to do it.” Picture this: the Oklahoma native, known for her ranch-raised resilience, layering up in insulated underwear and a heated vest to brave the biting winds. “I’m going to triple, quadruple layer,” she laughed, her enthusiasm undimmed by the forecast. As the two-hour live special airs at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and streams simultaneously on Peacock, McEntire won’t just emcee—she’ll perform, infusing the night with her signature blend of twangy anthems and heartfelt ballads. While the full lineup of guest stars remains under wraps for now, expect a constellation of holiday performers to join her, turning the Plaza into a stage of seasonal magic.
This milestone marks McEntire’s debut as host of the iconic broadcast, a role that’s eluded her despite decades of dazzling audiences. But who better to helm the festivities than a woman who’s made a career out of turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories? Born Reba Nell McEntire on March 28, 1955, in the dusty plains of McAlester, Oklahoma, she grew up in a world where music was as essential as the morning coffee. The middle child in a family of six, Reba was riding horses and singing harmonies before she could tie her own boots. Her father, Buck, a world-champion steer roper, and her mother, Jacqueline, a schoolteacher with a voice like velvet, filled their home with the sounds of the Singing McEntires—a family band that gigged at rodeos and county fairs. By age five, Reba was belting out tunes alongside her siblings, Susie and Pake, her pigtails bouncing to the rhythm of barrelhouse country.
It was a chance encounter in 1971 that catapulted her from local stages to national dreams. While competing in the National Finals Rodeo as part of the Oklahoma State University rodeo team, Reba caught the ear of Red Steagall, a Nashville scout. He invited her to record a demo, and by 1975, she had inked a deal with Mercury Records. Her self-titled debut album dropped in 1977, a modest start that peaked at No. 47 on the country charts. But Reba was no overnight sensation; she was a slow-burning fire. It took four albums and a string of singles before she cracked the Top 10 with “Sweet Dreams” in 1979, a cover that showcased her ability to infuse Dolly Parton classics with her own raw emotion. From there, the hits poured out like Oklahoma rain: “You Lie,” “Whoever’s in New York Right Now,” and the gut-wrenching “Fancy,” a tale of survival that became her anthem and a staple in her live shows.
By the 1980s, Reba McEntire wasn’t just a singer—she was a phenomenon. She racked up more than two dozen No. 1 singles, including “The Greatest Man I Never Knew” and “Is There Life Out There,” songs that spoke to the everyday triumphs and heartaches of working women. Her albums dominated the charts; Rumor Has It (1990) and For My Broken Heart (1991)—the latter released mere months after a devastating plane crash that claimed the lives of eight of her band members—cemented her as the queen of country resilience. That tragedy could have derailed anyone, but Reba channeled her grief into music that healed, both hers and her fans’. She’s sold over 75 million records worldwide, earned three Grammy Awards, and claimed the Country Music Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year honor four times. No other female country artist has topped as many albums on the Billboard charts. Her voice, a rich alto that can whisper a lullaby or roar like a thunderstorm, has made her a bridge between generations, from the steel-guitar twang of her youth to the pop-infused polish of her later work.
Music was only the beginning. Reba’s charisma begged for the spotlight beyond the stage, and she obliged with a pivot to acting that felt as natural as slipping into her favorite pair of Wranglers. Her silver-screen debut came in 1990’s Tremors, where she traded sequins for a shotgun, blasting graboids alongside Kevin Bacon in a role that proved her comedic timing was as sharp as her vocals. But it was television that truly showcased her range. In 2001, she stepped into the boots of Annie Oakley for Broadway’s Annie Get Your Gun, earning rave reviews and a Tony nomination for her spirited take on the sharpshooting showgirl. That same year, her sitcom Reba premiered on The WB, running for six seasons and becoming a touchstone for fans who adored her portrayal of a sassy, single mom navigating divorce, teen drama, and family chaos. The show was a ratings juggernaut, blending laugh-out-loud humor with poignant family lessons, and it introduced Melissa Peterman as her wisecracking bestie Barbra Jean—a partnership that’s still going strong.
Fast-forward to 2025, and Reba’s plate is fuller than a Thanksgiving turkey. She’s back on NBC as a Mega Mentor on The Voice, dispensing wisdom to aspiring stars with the same no-nonsense warmth that guided her own career. Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m., you’ll find her in the studio, her red curls a beacon amid the coaching chaos. And then there’s Happy’s Place, her new sitcom returning for Season 2 on November 7. In it, she plays Bobbie, a free-spirited bar owner who inherits the family watering hole from her late father—only to discover her half-sister (Peterman, naturally) is her new business partner. “Anytime I get to step on that set, I feel like home,” Reba says. “It’s my happy place.” Filmed in Nashville, the show captures the easy camaraderie that made Reba a hit, with guest spots from old friends like Dolly Parton adding extra sparkle.
At 70, Reba is radiating a joy that’s infectious, a far cry from the burnout that plagues so many in showbiz. “I think I’m happier now than I’ve ever been in my life,” she reflects. “It’s amazing. It’s wonderful being 70 and getting to do what I get to do at the level I want to do it.” Retirement? Not on the horizon. She recalls a chat with Dolly Parton during the country icon’s cameo on Reba: “I said, ‘Are you going to retire?’ She said, ‘Why would I? What in the world could I do and have as much fun as what I’m doing in this job right now?’ I agree with her a hundred percent. Slow down, maybe, but no plans of retiring.” It’s this unyielding zest that makes her the ideal host for Christmas in Rockefeller Center—a woman who approaches every chapter with the enthusiasm of a kid unwrapping presents.
Speaking of traditions, no discussion of the Rockefeller spectacle is complete without a nod to its storied past. The ritual began humbly in 1931, amid the Great Depression’s shadow, as workers building the Rockefeller Center complex pooled their meager wages to erect a modest 20-foot balsam fir on Christmas Eve. It stood as a defiant symbol of hope, decked with garlands but no lights, a simple act of camaraderie in tough times. By 1933, the tradition formalized with the first official tree lighting, a 40-foot spruce illuminated by a mere 700 bulbs—a modest glow compared to today’s extravagance. Over the decades, the tree has grown in stature and spectacle: a 100-foot Norway spruce sourced from a small town, hauled to Manhattan, and adorned with 50,000 twinkling lights and a Swarovski crystal star weighing nearly a ton. World War II rationing couldn’t dim its shine, nor could economic dips; it’s been a constant, from Bing Crosby crooning carols in the 1950s broadcasts to modern megastars like Idina Menzel belting “Let It Go” in 2014.
The annual TV special, which debuted on NBC in 1997, has evolved into a cultural touchstone, drawing millions to witness the lighting ceremony amid performances, ice-skating spectacles, and celebrity cameos. Past hosts have included everyone from Amy Poehler to Kelly Clarkson, each adding their flavor to the mix. For 2025, Reba brings a fresh infusion: think heartfelt renditions of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” echoing off the art deco facades, perhaps a duet with a surprise guest that nods to her gospel roots. The tree itself, yet to be unveiled, will likely hail from the Northeast, selected for its perfect taper and resilience—much like Reba herself. As the Plaza fills with families bundled in scarves, hot cocoa steaming in hand, her presence will bridge the gap between country’s rustic heart and the city’s polished pulse.
What can viewers expect from this Reba-led extravaganza? Beyond the host’s warm welcomes and witty asides—expect her to share stories of her own holiday memories, like stringing lights on the family ranch or baking pies with her mom. Her performances will likely span her catalog, weaving in festive favorites with personal twists: imagine “Why Haven’t I Heard from You” reimagined as a playful holiday query, or a soaring cover of “O Holy Night” that brings the crowd to tears. The evening will culminate in the grand lighting, a synchronized symphony of lights, music, and cheers that feels like the world holding its breath before exhaling joy. And with NBC’s production values—drones capturing the tree’s majesty, backstage glimpses of stars rehearsing—it’s set to be a visual feast.
Reba’s selection feels poetic, especially as she navigates this golden era of her career. Fresh off promoting Happy’s Place, she’s embodying the themes of legacy and renewal that define the holidays. Her life, much like the Rockefeller tree, has weathered storms—from personal losses to industry shifts—yet stands taller each year. Fans tuning in will see not just a performer, but a storyteller who’s lived the songs she sings. As she quips about her current bliss, “I love this chapter in my life. I’m very grateful.” That gratitude will undoubtedly spill over into every moment of the special, reminding us all that the best gifts aren’t under the tree—they’re the ones we share.
In a season often rushed and commercialized, Reba McEntire’s hosting debut promises a return to what matters: connection, warmth, and a little bit of magic. Mark your calendars for December 3, grab your ugliest sweater, and join her in Rockefeller Center. Because if anyone can make the holidays feel like coming home, it’s the Queen of Country herself. With her at the helm, this year’s Christmas in Rockefeller Center isn’t just a broadcast—it’s a heartfelt invitation to celebrate the light in all of us.
