Reba McEntire Reveals Why She Feared Joining ‘The Voice’ and How She Overcame It to Shine as a Beloved Coach

Reba McEntire, the iconic country music star and fan-favorite coach on The Voice, is set to return for the show’s 28th season. While her warm and encouraging demeanor has made her a beloved presence, McEntire recently opened up about her initial hesitation to join the hit singing competition.

A Fear of Hurting Dreams

In a candid interview on Late Night With Seth Meyers on May 13, McEntire revealed that she had serious doubts about becoming a coach. “I was really dreading it at first because I don’t want to tell anybody they suck,” she admitted. Years ago, when The Voice first came to the U.S., McEntire passed on the opportunity. “I said, ‘I can’t tell somebody, you know, don’t give up your day job. I’m not gonna do that!’”

For McEntire, the idea of delivering harsh critiques to aspiring singers was daunting. However, her perspective shifted when she realized she could use her years of experience to uplift contestants rather than discourage them.

A Positive Approach to Coaching

McEntire’s coaching style is rooted in encouragement and support. Reflecting on her first stint on The Voice, she explained, “The way we did it the first time I was on The Voice, it was more helpful and encouraging.” She emphasized that the returning lineup of coaches for season 28 — including Niall Horan, Snoop Dogg, and Michael Bublé — shares a similar mindset. “We’re nice people. We encourage. We lift up.”

This collaborative and nurturing approach has not only endeared McEntire to viewers but also made her a trusted mentor for contestants chasing their dreams.

Balancing Chaos and Comedy

When she’s not coaching on The Voice, McEntire is busy starring alongside her boyfriend, Rex Linn, in the show Happy’s Place. The country star joked about their dynamic on set, saying, “On the Reba show, I was the voice of reason, and now he is. So, I get to be in the whirlwind of chaotic stuff. I love it. I love being ‘the crazy one’ now.”

McEntire also praised Linn’s dedication to his craft, describing him as “a stickler on rehearsals” and a “good guy” she admires deeply.

Dolly Parton Shares a Similar Sentiment

Interestingly, McEntire isn’t the only country legend to have reservations about coaching on The Voice. Dolly Parton, who has appeared as a guest mentor on the show, has consistently turned down offers to become a full-time coach. In a May 2025 interview with E! News, Parton explained, “It’s too hard for me. I’ve been asked to do that a lot of times. That’s why I don’t accept it, because I know how sincere everybody is.”

Parton added, “Even if they’re not that good, they believe they are. And I just can’t hurt people.”

A Season to Look Forward To

As fans eagerly await season 28 of The Voice, McEntire’s return promises to bring warmth, wisdom, and a touch of humor to the competition. Her journey from dreading the role to embracing it with open arms is a testament to her love for music and her commitment to helping others succeed. With a star-studded coaching panel and McEntire’s signature charm, this season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet.