Country star Reba McEntire has said she released her first-ever Gospel album to encourage her fans to give it all back to God - particularly at a time when the country is so divided.
According to Fox News, the Country Music Hall of Fame member is releasing "Sing it Now: Songs of Faith & Hope" on Friday, a double album of contemporary and classic gospel tunes.
She told the outlet that her fans have found comfort in the album's first single "Back To God" originally recorded by country singer Randy Houser in 2008.
"I'm hearing from people...about how [this song] has touched their heart and about how much we need this song at this time with all the trouble in the United States," she said. "With all the differences of opinions let's just give it back to God. It just seems to be very timely."
McEntire added that while she doesn't publicly discuss politics, she regularly prays for God's guidance and protection over the country.
"I'm an entertainer and I don't get into politics. I never have," the "Turn on the Radio" singer said, "It's like my faith. I teach by example so I don't preach to people. I just tell them how great my... relationship is with the Lord."
She added, "I pray for God's way and not my way. I know that God's got the right path and the right plan.
"Sing it Now" features guest appearances by McEntire's daughter-in-law, Kelly Clarkson, and friend Trisha Yearwood.
"This isn't just entertainment," she told USA Today. "It's not a country album. It's deeper than that. It's about changing lives. It's a message from God. That's why I'm here, not to be rich and famous and popular but to help people. I'm the conduit or, as I call it, the water hose. That's what God wanted me to be when He gave me this voice: I'm supposed to stand up and give His message. If I can touch just one person, that's worth the whole project."
The singer also said she made a special effort to focus on her faith after divorcing her husband of 26 years, Narvel Blackstock.
"Because I needed it myself, going through two and half years of changes in my life," McEntire said. "And who better to lean on than God? And that's who I needed to be listening to. And I needed that faith, that faith strengthened, that hope."
During her impressive career, McEntire has sold over 56 million albums, made 35 chart-topping singles, starred in her own television show, and even launched her own clothing line.
In a 2015 interview with Fox News, she credited her immense success to her Christian faith, saying she seeks God's guidance for her every move.
"[Faith] guides me on everything I do," McEntire said. "I ask for guidance, I ask the Lord to give me wisdom when I speak, when I think and I always try to be positive and say nice things and it gives me strength throughout every minute and every day."
