Reba McEntire Didn’t Know She Was a Gay Icon until after ‘Fancy’s Release

Country singer and icon Reba McEntire is better known for her version of the song 'Fancy', a popular song originally sang by Bobbie Gentry. McEntire's version of 'Fancy' was featured in her 17th studio album Rumor Has It, released in 1990.

McEntire's version of the song surpassed the success of the original song by Gentry and has since been engraved with her identity. It was after the success of the song, she noticed that she had turned into a gay icon. 

Reba McEntire Opens Up About 'Fancy'

In her September 2020 interview with Pride Source, the famous singer revealed that previously she wasn't aware of her status as an icon for the LGBTQ community but "I was definitely sure after I released 'Fancy'." 

McEntire further said, "I don’t have any reason to think that I had a big gay following before that, but I think I did."

When asked if she recalls listening to 'Fancy' at a gay bar, the singer said that she hadn't. She also confessed that in the decades gone by she had never stepped into a gay bar but promised that she would have to mae it happen.

The 'Fancy' singer spoke about how she's in awe of artists who perform her song with pretty makeup and a doll-like personality.

Anybody who can sing that whole song in heels and the outfits that they wear, hey, I’m applaudin. There’s not gonna be any criticism from me at all.

Talking about the remix version of 'Fancy' produced by DJ Dave Aude, McEntire credited the artist with doing "a great job." And further called the art form "their forte."

At the same time, she was also asked about Orville Peck's version of the song. An enthusiastic McEntire shared how she loved his version of the song.

"I liked how he kept the music, the production, real low until the end of the song, and then it got real big," she continued. 

Is Reba McEntire Gay?

McEntire is known to have a fierce legion of gay fans and is known to advocate for gay rights. However, she is known to be of straight herself.

Additionally, McEntire, since 2020, is known to be in a relationship with American actor Rex Linn, known for playing Frank Tripp in the popular television show CSI: Miami.

The country queen was previously married to American television producer, manager, and entrepreneur Narvel Blackstock. She shares son Shelby with her ex-husband Blackstock.

McEntire's son, Shelby, is an American race car driver and half-brother of Brandon Blackstock, who was previously married to pop diva Kelly Clarkson.   

Presumably due to the success of her version of the song 'Fancy' along with her strong attachment with the LGBTQ community, she is often mistaken to be gay. 

In a separate sitting with Pride Source, McEntire stressed the importance of gay marriage. During the chat, she revealed to have attended her first gay wedding in California and talked about how times were changing with more gay country musicians were open to speak about it.