Earlier in the night, surprise guest Trisha Yearwood kicked off Reba’s 40-minute segment with a tribute performance of “How Blue,” her third No. 1 single. Following the introduction, Reba opened with the theme songs to her popular 2000s Reba TV series and her current show, Happy’s Place. After playing “I’m A Survivor” and “Happy’s Place,” host Kelly Sutton interrupted with a special presentation that included a 100th anniversary custom scarf designed by Manuel Cuevos, inspired by the look of the Opry’s signature tapestry that hangs backstage. She also read a letter that Yearwood wrote to honor her friend.
“There are people in your life who mean what you say and say what they mean. Those people are rare, and you’re lucky if you get to call them a friend. Reba, you’re that friend to many. I watched you welcome new artists like me in 1991 to this wonderful and challenging business, but more than that, I watched you really be a friend to all of us. You don’t just say, ‘We ought to get to gether sometime.’ You actually give out your phone number, you make a plan, and then you show up. Reba Freaking McEntire. You make time for trips, for dinners, for fun group texts, and a hug through tears when we need it. Yes, you are larger than life, but you’re also as real as we all want you to be. How lucky country music is to have you in their corner and how lucky I am to call you my friend. I love you, Reba. XOXO, Trisha Yearwood.”
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