Billboard magazine will hand over its first ever Woman of the Year Award to Reba McEntire during a ceremony in New York City on October 5.

In addition to Reba's honor, 20 female music industry executives will be recognized in the magazine's forthcoming Women in Music issue.

 

Also in Reba news, the Nashville Tennessean's own Beverly Keel wrote her up in yesterday's issue. You can read all sorts of informative tidbits on how Reba's style has changed recently, including this:

Instead of going Hollywood, McEntire returned to her roots. Gone is the over-the-top image created by her big hair and big production shows featuring numerous costume changes.

It was obviously an image that worked. McEntire has sold 38 million albums, recorded 33 No. 1 hits and collected two Grammys. She's won seven Country Music Association awards, including a record-tying (with Martina McBride) four trophies in the female vocalist category.


As for the sequined dresses and the big hair, Reba says that wasn't her call but she "went for it because I had no taste. I grew up with hand-me-downs all my life."

Anyway, that story continues over at The Tennessean.