Reba McEntire has been part of country music for 50 years. But perhaps surprisingly, for McEntire, this current season is so far her favorite of them all.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been happier. I feel grateful. I know myself better,” McEntire tells Woman’s World. “I’m 71 years old. I’m healthy. I’m happy and thankful.”

Part of McEntire’s gratefulness comes from her job on Happy’s Place. The NBC sitcom, which is currently in its third season, stars McEntire, along with her fiancé, Rex Linn, and her close friend (and former Reba co-star), Melissa Peterman.

“I get to work at the level that I want to work at with people who are so much fun and talented.” McEntire says. “When I go to work with the love of my life and step through those doors, it’s people with smiles on their faces. Nobody is in a bad mood and we know how blessed we are to get the job that we have. So I just take one day at a time and live in the present as much as I can and be grateful.”

Courtesy of NBC

Reba McEntire’s Future in Country Music

McEntire’s debut single, “I Don’t Want to Be a One Night Stand,” came out in 1976. 50 years later, McEntire is still releasing music, and still enjoying it as much as she did in the beginning.

“I hope I can say to the fans, we’re still finding great songs that the songwriters have written, giving them total credit,” McEntire says. “The song—if it’s strong—it will be a strong song today and it will be a strong song 50 years from now. Good quality songs hold up. Just like a book, just like a plan or movie. You can watch a movie from the ‘30s and sit there and cry or laugh because it’s a good movie. From the ‘60s or ‘70s, but if it’s not on the page, it can’t get on the stage. If you don’t learn it and put yourself into those words, you can’t perform it.”

Reba McEntire to Auction Off Items For Charity

McEntire recently announced she is auctioning off her gowns, clothing, and other memorabilia, and it’s all for a good cause. Proceeds from the event, hosted by Julien’s Auctions, will go to her The Reba McEntire Fund, which supports various charitable projects throughout the United States.

“I’m a third-generation rodeo brat,” McEntire says in a video shared on social media. “I grew up in jeans and boots and all hand-me-downs. When you put on a shiny outfit, you just feel better. You just feel more special. It just elevates the attitude, elevates the confidence, and that’s why I like to wear sparkly, shiny stuff.”

McEntire’s auction will take place live at the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville at 10:00 AM CT on October 23. Register to bid, and find information on all of the items up for sale, at JuliensAuctions.com.