Reba McEntire Remembers Her Father On Anniversary of His Death

A turbulent year for Reba McEntire began one year ago today (Oct. 23), when her father Clark McEntire died at the age of 86. The singer took a moment to remember his life and spirit on her Facebook page this morning.

McEntire called her father “a true cowboy,” and indeed he was. Clark McEntire was a four-time World Champion steer roper in the late ‘50s and ‘60s. He was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1979, the same year his famous daughter released the song "Daddy" on the Out of a Dream album.

“I sure miss you Daddy,” the 60-year-old singer says.

Last April, McEntire told Taste of Country that the song “Just Like Them Horses” on her Love Somebody album was chosen because she wanted to play it at her father’s funeral. At the time McEntire only knew his time was short, as he’d been sick for four to five years. Producer Tony Brown convinced her to put it on the album, and soon after, Clark died. He never heard the song, and she says she hopes to be able to perform it, one day.

Clark left behind a wife and four children, including singers Reba, Pake and Susie McEntire.

Troubled times followed McEntire into 2015. In August she announced she and husband Narvel Blackstock were separating after 26 years of marriage.