Reba bound for Country Hall of Fame

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NASHVILLE, March 1 (UPI) -- Bobby Braddock, Reba McEntire and Jean Shepard are to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, the Country Music Association said Tuesday.

"We are inducting royalty this year," Steve Moore, CMA chief executive officer, said in a statement. "Jean and Reba are two of country music's most revered queens, and Bobby Braddock is a king of songwriting. All three of them refused to follow the crowd; instead, creating their own unique paths. I cannot imagine what country music would be like today without these three talented individuals and all of their accomplishments. They each continue to inspire me with their latest performances, albums, compositions, and productions."

"I am truly humbled to know that I am being inducted," added Braddock. "I want to express my gratitude to the voters who feel that I am worthy of this great honor."

"This is a huge honor for me and something I've dreamed about since I was a little girl," McEntire noted. "When I was a young girl, we would take vacations to Nashville and tour the Country Music Hall of Fame. And now, for me to be inducted, is a dream come true."

"I have spent nearly 60 years doing something that I love, singing and promoting Country Music, and it's wonderful to see that my efforts haven't been in vain," said Shepard.

Induction ceremonies for Braddock, Reba, and Shepard will take place at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum later this year, the association said.