In the heart of Nashville’s vibrant country music scene, a powerful mentorship has blossomed between two trailblazing women: Lainey Wilson, the genre’s rising star, and Reba McEntire, its undisputed queen. Long before Wilson’s name became synonymous with hits like “Things a Man Oughta Know” and “Heart Like a Truck,” she looked to McEntire as a beacon of inspiration, studying her career and drawing lessons from her authenticity and resilience. Now, with a friendship that transcends generations, Wilson leans on McEntire for guidance and support, a relationship that has not only shaped her skyrocketing career but also highlighted the importance of women uplifting each other in the competitive world of country music. This bond, rooted in shared values and mutual respect, has become a cornerstone of Wilson’s journey, culminating in heartfelt moments of collaboration and mentorship that are inspiring fans and aspiring artists alike.
From Idol to Mentor: A Dream Come True
Lainey Wilson’s story is one of perseverance and passion. Born and raised in Baskin, Louisiana, a small town with a population of just 250, Wilson grew up immersed in the sounds of country music. Her father, a farmer, and her mother, a schoolteacher, nurtured her love for the genre, taking her to Nashville at age nine to see the Grand Ole Opry. It was there, watching legends like Bill Anderson and Crystal Gayle, that Wilson’s dream of becoming a country artist took root. Among her earliest inspirations was Reba McEntire, whose commanding presence, versatile career, and unwavering authenticity captivated the young singer.
McEntire, a Country Music Hall of Fame member, has been a towering figure in the industry since the 1970s. With over 35 number-one singles, 58 million albums sold, and a resume that includes Grammy Awards, CMA Awards, and a successful foray into television and theater, she’s a model of what it means to “do it all.” For Wilson, McEntire’s ability to remain true to her Oklahoma roots while building a multimedia empire was a blueprint for success. “Just watching old interviews of Reba, it’s the same person I met years later,” Wilson shared in a recent interview. “No amount of fame or awards changes who she is, and that’s what I want for myself.”
Wilson’s admiration for McEntire began long before they met. As a struggling artist in Nashville, where she moved in 2011 to pursue her dreams, Wilson studied McEntire’s career to navigate the industry’s challenges. From her work ethic to her ability to connect with fans, McEntire was a guiding light. When Wilson finally met her idol at CMA Fest in 2023, the moment was, in her words, a “pinch me” experience. Holding McEntire’s hand backstage, Wilson fought back tears, telling her, “You mean so much to me. You have, you have.” McEntire, gracious and warm, praised Wilson’s rising star, setting the stage for a relationship that would grow into something profound.
A Mentor’s Wisdom: Pages of Guidance
Since that first meeting, Wilson and McEntire’s friendship has deepened, with the veteran artist stepping into a mentorship role that Wilson describes as transformative. “I can text Reba and say, ‘What do you do when this happens? What do you do when you’re feeling this way?’” Wilson said. “And she’ll send me pages of wisdom that show you why she’s where she is.” This openness, rooted in McEntire’s own experiences of being mentored by legends like Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn, reflects her commitment to paying it forward.
Wilson, now 33, has faced the highs and lows of a rapidly ascending career. After a decade of grinding in Nashville, her 2020 single “Things a Man Oughta Know” topped the country charts, earning her a Grammy for Best Country Album for Bell Bottom Country, a CMA Entertainer of the Year award, and a role as Abby in the hit series Yellowstone. Yet, with success came new challenges—exhaustion, self-doubt, and the pressure to balance music, acting, and personal life. In these moments, McEntire’s guidance has been a lifeline. “Sometimes you need someone to talk to when you’re so exhausted,” Wilson said. “I texted Reba once, and she told me, ‘Sometimes I have to get up and sing for a different reason. Sing for my sister, or someone who needs it.’ That stuck with me.”
McEntire’s advice often draws from her own journey, which mirrors Wilson’s in surprising ways. Despite their careers spanning different eras, Wilson has noted that “a lot of her struggles then are the same struggles I have now.” Whether it’s navigating industry politics or staying grounded amid fame, McEntire’s willingness to share her experiences has made her an invaluable resource. “She doesn’t make you feel silly for asking questions,” Wilson said. “She’s a beautiful person, inside and out.”
A Milestone Moment: The Grand Ole Opry
One of the most pivotal moments in Wilson’s career came on May 21, 2024, during the season finale of NBC’s The Voice, where McEntire served as a coach. After Wilson performed her single “Hang Tight Honey,” McEntire surprised her with an invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry, the hallowed institution that has been the heart of country music for nearly a century. “Lainey, I’m so proud of you,” McEntire said onstage, her voice warm with emotion. “I’ve heard that I’ve inspired you, and I’m thrilled if I’ve had anything to do with your career because you are blowing it up. I’d like to be the person to invite you to be an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.”
Wilson, visibly moved, tearfully recounted her childhood visit to the Opry and how it fueled her dreams. “It’s so crazy that you’re asking me to be a member because I look up to you so much,” she told McEntire. “Not just musically, but the way you carry yourself and your work ethic. You inspire me every day.” The induction, which took place on June 7, 2024, marked a full-circle moment for Wilson, who was presented with a custom Opry belt buckle by McEntire, a symbol of her place in country music’s legacy.
Trailblazers Together: A Collaborative Anthem
The bond between Wilson and McEntire reached a new height with their collaboration on “Trailblazer,” a powerful single also featuring Miranda Lambert, debuted at the 2025 ACM Awards. Written by Wilson, Lambert, and Brandy Clark, and produced by McEntire and Tony Brown, the song is a tribute to the women who paved the way for today’s country artists. With lyrics like “Talk about a trailblazer / Cuttin’ one path at a time / Runnin’ like a dream chaser / Livin’ on a prayer and a rhyme,” it celebrates the strength and solidarity of female artists, from Dolly Parton and Patsy Cline to McEntire herself.
The idea for “Trailblazer” came from McEntire, who sparked a conversation about the legacy of women in country music. “We started talking about how the females have stuck together and blazed those trails,” Wilson recalled. “They went down with the weed whackers and did whatever they could to help the next person up.” The song’s debut performance, with Wilson, McEntire, and Lambert sharing the stage, was an emotional highlight of the awards, earning 2.6 million streams in its first week—McEntire’s biggest streaming debut ever. For Wilson, sharing the stage with her mentor was a moment of profound gratitude. “We were all trying to hold it together,” she said. “It felt like we could feel the energy, and I hope little girls watching at home saw that women who stick together get it done.”
A Legacy of Lifting Others Up
McEntire’s mentorship of Wilson reflects a broader ethos of camaraderie that defines her career. She has spoken about how earlier generations of artists, like Barbara Mandrell and Loretta Lynn, supported her when she was starting out. “They stuck together and helped each other,” McEntire said. “That’s what it’s about—high-fiving each other and running to the finish line together.” This spirit of generosity has inspired Wilson to pay it forward, as she mentors younger artists and collaborates with peers like Lambert and Clark.
For Wilson, McEntire’s authenticity is a guiding principle. “She’s the same person she was in those old interviews,” Wilson said. “No amount of stardom takes her away from what makes her, her.” This consistency has encouraged Wilson to stay true to her Louisiana roots, even as her career takes her to new heights, from headlining tours to acting in Yellowstone. McEntire’s example has also taught her the importance of versatility, as Wilson explores acting and other creative ventures, much like her mentor’s forays into television and business.
A Bright Future Ahead
As Wilson’s star continues to rise, her relationship with McEntire remains a cornerstone of her success. With a Grammy, multiple ACM and CMA awards, and a growing fanbase, Wilson is carving her own path while carrying forward the lessons learned from her mentor. The “Trailblazer” collaboration, their shared moments at the Opry, and countless late-night texts have solidified a bond that transcends music. “Getting to know Reba has been more than I could’ve imagined,” Wilson said. “She’s not just a legend—she’s a good woman.”
For fans, the mentorship between Wilson and McEntire is a reminder of the power of community in country music. As Wilson continues to blaze her own trail, with McEntire’s wisdom lighting the way, she’s proving that the genre’s future is in capable hands. Whether through heartfelt advice, a surprise Opry invitation, or a show-stopping performance, this dynamic duo is showing the world what it means to lift each other up and keep the spirit of country music alive.
