Music

Reba McEntire Denies Participation in Gov. Kristi Noem Fundraiser

Reba McEntire issued a statement Friday denying her advertised participation in a fundraiser this Sunday for South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem.

The country star was listed among the special guests on promotional material for the minimum $500-per-person barbecue benefitting Noem — who Rolling Stone dubbed “The Queen of Covid of South Dakota” earlier this year for her “Trumpian response” to the Covid-19 pandemic — but McEntire wrote on social media late Friday that she had “no plans” to attend the event.

“Last night, an invitation to a political fundraiser with my name attached was sent out without my knowledge or permission. I had and have no plans to attend this event and had told the event organizers as such,” McEntire said. “Throughout my career, I have stated that I do not get involved in politics and that remains true today.”

The South Dakota Democratic Party also tweeted, “Kristi Noem’s fundraising camp used Reba [McEntire]’s name without permission. Noem is an embarrassment. #failedGovernor.”

Despite McEntire’s disavowal, Noem’s spokesperson Ian Fury told the Argus Leader that the campaign received “written confirmation” that the singer would attend the fundraiser. “I’d add that the governor is a huge fan of Reba,” Fury added.

Although McEntire eschews politics, the country great is not shy about being patriotic as she has booked a gig to appear during the Macy’s Fireworks Spectacular on July 4th, she announced earlier this week.