Reba McEntire Is KFC’s First-Ever Female Colonel Sanders

I don’t know about you guys, but KFC’s Colonel Sanders has always creeped me out. Don’t get me wrong, I do love some good ol’ fried chicken, but Sanders just never really enticed me to eat at the fast food chain. Enter: Reba McEntire. This country music superstar is the newest face of KFC, becoming Colonel Sanders herself in the chain’s latest ad. McEntire is the brand’s first-ever woman to play the role.

This is a decision I firmly stand by!

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McEntire is promoting the recently launched flavor, Smoky Mountain BBQ fried chicken. She does it decked out in the founder’s signature white suit (naturally) as she belts out a song about the southern-inspired chicken that features the flavors of both Memphis and Carolina BBQ.

Among the lyrics she sings, “I’m Colonel Sanders. Same as always. Absolutely nothing’s changed. Please ignore any likeness to famous country singers. I’m definitely not a woman.” The ad pans over to McEntire herself in the audience enjoying the performance while eating the fried chicken.

Social media has gotten a kick out of KFC’s casting choice, agreeing it’s about time that the fast food chain put a woman front and center.

Previously, 11 different male actors have played Colonel in KFC’s ads, including “Saturday Night Live” star Norm Macdonald, comedian Jim Gaffigan and “Parks And Recreation” actor Rob Lowe.

“I grew up with Kentucky Fried Chicken. It’s part of my story, and I’m so excited to now be part of theirs,” said McEntire in a recent press release. “I’ve held a lot of roles in my life – sort of like the Colonel himself – but this is certainly the most unique one yet.”

The company is also pleased to have her. “With Reba’s southern roots and entrepreneurial spirit, she truly embodies the values of the Colonel and the crowd-pleasing flavor of our Smoky Mountain BBQ,” said Andrea Zahumensky, CMO, KFC U.S. in the release. “The pairing of a universally loved music legend like Reba with a universally appealing flavor like Smoky Mountain BBQ makes what I like to call ‘Smoky Mountain Magic.'”

Do you think Reba McEntire was a good choice for KFC’s first-ever female Colonel Sanders? Let us know in the comments!