FRISCO, TEXAS – May 8, 2025 — The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards did not begin with pyrotechnics or drama. Instead, it began with something far more powerful: bare emotion, heart pride, and a salute that hit an emotional chord.

Country music legend Reba McEntire — the “Queen of Country” — took to the Ford Center stage not just to entertain or host, but to lend a voice of sorts to those who are so often forgotten.

A Message for the Overlooked
As the lights dimmed and the crowd grew silent, Reba stood center stage, spotlight at her every move. With emotion in her voice and her head bowed, she spoke to the forgotten directly:

“I sing this song for all those folks who have ever been put down, who have ever been called a country bumpkin, who has ever been made fun of just because they are real.”

There was no clapping. No music. Just silence — the kind that shows something special and real is happening.

Reimagining “Okie from Muskogee”
Then came the familiar melody of Merle Haggard’s “Okie from Muskogee.” But this was no cover — it was a reinvention. Reba brought every word to life, taking the 1969 anthem and making it a heartfelt message of pride and determination.

The emotional weight swelled over the arena. Hands were clasped by fans. Tears were wiped away by artists. Even younger stars, who weren’t well-versed in the song’s full history, stood in reverence — witnessing a moment of history being created in the moment.

An Ovation That Spoke Volumes
When Reba struck the final note, the room erupted. The ensuing standing ovation went on for more than a minute — not for showmanship, but for genuineness.

To live and at home fans, it was clear: this was not just a tribute to a legend. It was a celebration of ordinary people, small towns, and the heart of America.

ACM Executive Producer Ben Winston later summed it up best:

“We knew Reba would deliver heart. What we didn’t know was that she would deliver the soul of America to the stage.”

More Than a Performance
Even as the program went on with celebrity duets and manic performances, Reba’s opening moment persisted. It wasn’t so much about celebrating Merle Haggard or singing a favorite tune.

It was about honoring the people behind the music — the very individuals oftentimes shrugged off, forgotten, or misinterpreted — and long-overdue recognition.

A Lasting Legacy
Reba didn’t just launch the ACM Awards. She made it count.

She made sure to remind all of us that country music isn’t just a show — it’s life, loss, pride, and resolve, as well.

And through it, she taught a lesson that reverberated beyond the stage:

Country music ain’t a flash in the pan — it’s real.

Check out Reba McEntire’s heartfelt eulogy of Merle Haggard and her spectacular opening number in the video below.