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The Honolulu Advertiser

Updated at 9:56 a.m., Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Reba McEntire tours Big Island's Parker Ranch

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

 

Parker Ranch paniolo entertain country music star Reba McEntire at the Parker Ranch Historic Homes & Gardens.

Photos by Anthony Roberts, courtesy Parker Ranch

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McEntire places flowers on the tomb of Thelma Kahilu Parker and the Parker family gravesite outside of Waimea.

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Legendary country music singer Reba McEntire and her family got a private peek at one of Hawai'i's largest and oldest ranches — Parker Ranch on the Big Island.

McEntire, a Grammy-winning and Country Music Association favorite now on the charts with "Because of You," a duet with Kelly Clarkson, is intrigued by ranch history and the history of Thelma Kahilu Parker and Elisabeth Dowsett Parker. McEntire's country roots include a father and grandfather who were national steer-roping champs.

She visited and placed flowers at the Parker family gravesite in an area known as Mana and remarked to Parker Ranch personnel: "I am amazed that no one has done a movie or miniseries on this family's story. It is so special."

Ranch guide Anthony Roberts suggested to the singer that she could easily portray Dowsett, who was affectionately known as Aunt Tootsie, should a film ever materialize.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8067.