Over the years, fried chicken chain KFC has used several different well-known actors to portray company founder and “mascot,” Colonel Harland Sanders. But the latest person to play Colonel Sanders is someone you never would have expected: Reba McEntire.

KFC tapped the country music superstar to play Sanders in advertisements for their new Smoky Mountain BBQ flavor, a mashup of Memphis and Carolina-style barbeques. According to Andrea Zahumensky, the CMO of KFC U.S., McEntire was a natural fit to play the first female Colonel Sanders:

“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. “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.’”

In the first Smoky Mountain BBQ ad featuring McEntire, she sings a funny honky tonk song while dressed as Sanders: “I’m Col. Sanders, well, same as always. Absolutely nothing’s changed. Oh please ignore a likeness to famous country singers. I’m definitely not a woman.”

At one point, McEntire-as-Sanders throws her hat into the crowd, where it lands on the head of McEntire-as-herself. Watch below:

McEntire said she was “excited” for her turn as Colonel Sanders, noting that she grew up eating Kentucky Fried Chicken:

“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. “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.”

Despite being 62 years old, McEntire has kept busy both in the world of music and acting. She released her first Gospel album in 2017, Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope. Also in 2017, she floated starring and producing in a new Southern drama series titled Red Blooded, although it has yet to find a network to call home.

Source: Fox News

What do you think of Reba McEntire’s turn as Colonel Sanders? Would you like to see her release another country album or star in another TV show? Share your comments below!

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