Kelly Clarkson gave a heartwarming speech in recognition of Reba McEntire, an honoree at the 41st annual Kennedy Center Honors event earlier this month.
In the touching tribute to the country music icon, which aired on Wednesday, Clarkson expressed just how much of an inspiration McEntire has been to her.
“I’ve been a fan of Reba since I was a little girl. Her voice has always felt nostalgic for me. Even as an adult, there’s something about her tone and her storytelling that just feels like home,” Clarkson said.
“Sometimes when we meet our heroes, it doesn’t always pan out how you hope," she continued. "But meeting Reba — being friends with her, and eventually becoming family — has been one of the highlights of my life, truly."
McEntire went from being Clarkson's hero to becoming her family in 2013, when she married Brandon Blackstock, McEntire’s stepson from her marriage to ex-husband Narvel Blackstock.
The "American Idol" alum and Blackstock now have four children, including two from Blackstock's previous relationship.
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Clarkson expressed how appreciative she is for McEntire's influence on her family.
“Thank you so much for listening to me vent as an artist," she said. "Thank you so much for comforting me on the phone through my tears like a friend. And thank you for being a really rad grandma for my kids.”
She also delivered a powerful rendition of McEntire's 1990s hit "Fancy."
McEntire shared a post on Instagram in which she thanked those who honored her on the special night.
"I love you all for standing up for me!!!" she captioned the shot.
McEntire sounds like she shares Clarkson's feelings of love and respect.
In 2015, she told ET that Clarkson is "a girl with a big heart."
"Very giving, loving, and talented," she said.
"Everybody knows she's talented but sometimes they don’t see that big-hearted, loving person that she really is," she added.
