Reba McEntire receives honor

McEntire will receive her honor Oct. 5 in New York as part of the music magazine's honoring the top 20 female executives in the music industry in the 2nd annual Women In Music issue.

The award was established to recognize women in the music industry who have made significant contributions to the business and who, through their hard work and continued success, inspire other women to take on increasing responsibilities within the field.

"Reba's all encompassing career in entertainment make her an obvious choice to be honored as Billboard's first Woman of the Year," said Billboard Group Editorial Director Tamara Conniff. "In addition to Reba's unparalleled music career, she is a published author and a critically-acclaimed actor receiving praise for her work on Broadway, in films, and on her top-rated, self-titled sitcom. Reba's non-stop work schedule has never kept her from making charitable endeavors a priority. Reba is an inspiration to women everywhere and we are delighted to be presenting her with this award."

"I am thrilled to be selected as Woman of the Year by Billboard," said McEntire. "Although my career has taken me to TV, film, and Broadway, music is and always will be my first love. I am touched to be embraced in such a warm way by Billboard, and I look forward to celebrating with all the Women of the Year."