Reba McEntire on country being cool and where she might dine in Frisco

Update:

This Q&A has been lightly edited for clarity and length.

Reba McEntire is one of those rare artists who can be identified by one name: Reba. The country legend has blasted 100 singles onto the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, but she’s also starred in her own TV series and currently owns a clothing line and a restaurant in her native Oklahoma.

On May 8, she hosts the Academy of Country Music Awards at the Star in Frisco. This is the 18th time she’s done the honors, placing her in a pantheon of award-show greats. Billy Crystal hosted the Oscars only nine times, although Bob Hope has them both beat at 19.

In anticipation of next week’s very Texas celebration — whose nominees include Ella Langley, Jelly Roll, Morgan Wallen and North Texas’ own Post Malone — we asked the star about country music’s newfound shine, which female singers she loves best and what restaurant she doesn’t want to miss on her stay in Frisco.

Who is your favorite musician from Texas and why?

I’d have to say Red Steagall. He’s the one who discovered me singing the national anthem at the National Finals Rodeo and that led me to signing a recording deal. I owe it all to him.

Tex-Mex, or BBQ, and where?

That’s a tough one! But last year after the awards we got Hutchins BBQ, and it was amazing. We might have to line that up again this year.

What’s the secret to hosting a successful awards show?

Have fun. The goal is to celebrate everyone’s hard work, highlight incredible performances, see old friends and new. My job is to help create that celebration.

You’re known as the Queen of Country. Who are the princesses?

Well, that sure is sweet, but there were a lot of Queens before me who paved the way, like Dolly, Patsy and Loretta. The future of country music is in good hands with Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, Ashley McBryde, Carrie Underwood, Kelsea Ballerini, Megan Moroney, Ella Langley and many more.

Is country music cool again?

Country music has always been cool; there’s just more people paying attention now. I think it’s great. It moves the genre forward and adds to the creativity. Everyone is welcome.

Hepola: 10 things a non-golf expert learned at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson

Would there be celebrities? How accurate is “Caddyshack”? At Friday’s tournament in McKinney, I saw zero animatronic gophers, a strong Korean presence and Mother Nature’s power.

Hepola: Are you ready for Dallas’ new Instagrammable brunch spot on wheels?

Tea Around Town offers a pink and frilly — if a bit bumpy — sightseeing adventure. Just ask my mom.

The ‘luckiest guitar player on Earth’ lives in Dallas, and he plays with the Eagles

Five questions with Christopher Holt, touring guitarist for the best-selling American rock band, who talks about his new album, playing the Las Vegas Sphere and the stress of nailing ‘Hotel California.’

Hepola: Inside Mad Hatter’s, the over-the-top gala that blossoms at the Dallas Arboretum

Behold the eye-popping hats of this annual event, an expression of Dallas women’s creativity and a reminder of the society mavens who helped our city bloom.