When you talk about true cowboys — the kind who live, breathe, and bleed the rodeo life — one name always rises from the dust: Charlie Battles. Known for his strength, charm, and competitive spirit, Charlie Battles was a rodeo champion, rancher, and businessman whose life intertwined with the early career of country superstar Reba McEntire.
But beyond the fame tied to his ex-wife’s name, Charlie Battles was a man who carved his own path in the rodeo world — a path filled with triumphs, heartbreaks, and unforgettable moments.
This article takes you through the complete life story of Charlie Battles, from his Oklahoma roots to his final years, revealing how a cowboy’s grit defined both his legacy and his love story.
Who Was Charlie Battles? The Cowboy’s Beginning
Born on March 9, 1945, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Charlie Battles grew up in the heart of ranching country. His childhood was full of the smells of hay, the sound of cattle, and the rhythm of hard work. As a young boy, he developed a deep connection with horses and livestock, spending most of his free time out in the fields or helping neighbors on their ranches.
Those early years shaped him into a man who believed in perseverance. Family friends often recalled how Charlie Battles could rope and ride before he even finished grade school. By the time he was in high school, he was already competing in local steer wrestling events — a sport that requires courage, speed, and strength.
After graduation, he joined the U.S. Army, serving as an Armor Intelligence Specialist in Germany from 1962 to 1965. The discipline he learned in the military gave him a strong sense of purpose, which later became evident in his professional rodeo career.
Charlie Battles’ Rise as a Champion Steer Wrestler
When Charlie Battles returned from military service, he threw himself into rodeo full-time. His determination quickly paid off. By the late 1960s, he became one of the top names in steer wrestling, earning respect across the country.
He won multiple International Rodeo Association (IRA) championships — in 1968, 1970, and 1971 — marking him as one of the most skilled competitors of his generation. His raw power and perfect timing made him nearly unbeatable in the arena.
In 1974, Charlie Battles achieved one of his biggest dreams when he qualified for the National Finals Rodeo (NFR), the most prestigious event in the sport. Competing there placed him among rodeo’s elite — the best of the best.
But Charlie Battles wasn’t just admired for his skills; he was known for his sportsmanship. Friends and rivals alike described him as “a cowboy’s cowboy” — someone who celebrated others’ wins as much as his own.
He was tough but kind-hearted, serious in competition but generous with advice. For young rodeo riders, he became a mentor — the kind of man who’d fix your saddle or buy you a drink after a hard fall.
Reba McEntire and Charlie Battles: A Love Story Built on Rodeo Dust
It was the mid-1970s when Charlie Battles’ life took an unexpected turn. At a rodeo event, he met a young singer named Reba McEntire, who was performing the national anthem. Reba was only 21 years old, just starting her career in country music, while Charlie was already an established rodeo star and rancher in his 30s.
Their connection was instant. Reba was drawn to his rugged cowboy charm, while Charlie admired her ambition and down-to-earth nature. They married in June 1976 and settled on a ranch in Stringtown, Oklahoma.
Reba often shared in interviews that life with Charlie was simple but full of hard work. They spent their days tending to cattle, fixing fences, and living off the land. In her autobiography Reba: My Story, she wrote, “Charlie taught me the value of showing up early, staying late, and working until the job’s done.”
During those years, Charlie Battles was not just a husband — he was also her supporter and business partner. He helped her manage her career in its early days, driving her to shows and booking appearances. Together, they built the foundation for what would become a legendary music career.
Why Did Reba McEntire and Charlie Battles’ Divorce?
But as time went on, fame began to change the rhythm of their marriage. By the early 1980s, Reba McEntire’s career was skyrocketing. Her albums were charting, her tours were selling out, and her time on the ranch grew less frequent.
Meanwhile, Charlie Battles, accustomed to being the star of his own arena, found it hard to adjust to her growing fame. According to Reba, the relationship started to strain under the weight of jealousy and control. She once shared that Charlie preferred life on the ranch, while she was chasing her dreams on stage.
The emotional distance grew. Small disagreements turned into long silences. Eventually, after 11 years of marriage, Reba made the painful decision to file for divorce in 1987.
In an interview years later, she admitted, “I had to choose between marriage and my career — and I chose to chase my dream.”
Their separation marked the end of a personal chapter but the beginning of Reba’s rise to stardom. Yet, for Charlie Battles, it was time to return to what he loved most — the rodeo.
Charlie Battles’ Life After Reba: Rodeo, Ranching, and Renewal
After the divorce, Charlie Battles went back to his roots. He stayed active in rodeo and livestock events, eventually founding the Charlie Battles PRCA Rodeo Livestock Company in 1995. His company supplied high-quality livestock to rodeo circuits across the United States.
His reputation as a fair and skilled stock contractor grew quickly. Cowboys trusted that any rodeo with Charlie Battles’ name on it would be well-run and full of good stock.
Friends say he found peace in the simplicity of working with animals and managing ranch life again. He remarried in 1998 to Donna Granger, and together they ran their livestock operation in Sulphur, Louisiana.
Despite health challenges in his later years, including heart problems, Charlie continued working with the same determination that defined his entire life. He was often seen at rodeo events, even when his body grew weak — proof of his unbreakable spirit.
Sadly, Charlie Battles passed away on April 21, 2013, at the age of 68. He left behind a legacy of strength, resilience, and authenticity that the rodeo community still honors today.
Best Charlie Battles Rodeo Moments
To understand why Charlie Battles is still remembered so fondly, you have to look at his best performances in the arena.
Here are a few of his standout moments:
- 1968 IRA Championship – His first major title that established him as a rising star in steer wrestling.
- 1970 IRA Championship – A comeback victory after an injury the previous season.
- 1971 IRA Championship – His third title, proving his consistency and skill.
- 1974 National Finals Rodeo – His entry among the nation’s top steer wrestlers.
- 1995 Rodeo Livestock Company Launch – His post-competition contribution that shaped modern rodeo events.
These accomplishments highlight why many consider Charlie Battles a rodeo legend — not just for his trophies, but for his dedication to the sport.
Character Battles: The Cowboy Behind the Fame
Behind the cowboy hat and competitive fire, Charlie Battles was a man of strong character. He valued loyalty, hard work, and honesty. Though known for his stubborn streak, he was also deeply generous — the kind of man who’d stop what he was doing to help a friend in need.
His fellow cowboys said he had “a fighter’s heart and a farmer’s hands.” Even when life threw him off balance — through injuries, failed business ventures, or heartbreak — Charlie always got back up.
His resilience made him more than a rodeo star; it made him a symbol of cowboy toughness and perseverance.
Charlie Battles and Reba McEntire: A Legacy That Shaped Two Lives
While their marriage ended decades ago, the story of Reba McEntire and Charlie Battles remains one of country music’s most fascinating love stories.
Their 12 years together taught Reba about independence, resilience, and balance — lessons that later fueled her music and her business success.
Reba once said, “Charlie was the first man who believed I could make it big. He gave me my start, even when he didn’t realize it.”
And for Charlie, being part of Reba’s journey gave him a brush with fame he never sought — but always respected.
Even today, fans often ask: Did Reba attend Charlie Battles’ funeral? While she never publicly confirmed her presence, she did express her condolences, stating that Charlie Battles played a significant role in her early years and that she would “always be grateful for the lessons learned.”
Did You Know? Fun Facts About Charlie Battles
- Charlie Battles was Reba McEntire’s first husband, and she was 21 when they married.
- He served in the U.S. Army before becoming a professional cowboy.
- His company, the Charlie Battles PRCA Rodeo Livestock Company, became one of the most respected in the South.
- He was known for his quick reflexes and calm under pressure, key traits in steer wrestling.
- Many believe that without Charlie, Reba’s early career might not have taken off the same way.
What Happened to Charlie Battles?
After his passing in 2013, tributes from the rodeo community poured in. Many described him as a man who never lost his cowboy spirit. His life might not have been lived in the spotlight like Reba’s, but it was rich in purpose.
When people today search “what happened to Charlie Battles” or “who was Charlie Battles”, they discover a story of strength, pride, and a love for the cowboy way of life.
He didn’t seek fame — he sought fulfillment through hard work, competition, and loyalty. And in that pursuit, he found something far more lasting than celebrity: respect.
Conclusion: Remembering Charlie Battles — A True Cowboy Legend
In the world of rodeo, names come and go. But Charlie Battles remains timeless. His story is one of dedication — to his sport, to his land, and to the people he loved.
He was a champion in the arena, a teacher to younger riders, and a man who lived by the cowboy code: “Ride hard, stay humble, and never quit.”
Though his marriage to Reba McEntire ended long ago, his impact on her life — and the rodeo community — continues to this day. Every time a steer wrestler jumps off his horse or a country song celebrates the cowboy spirit, a piece of Charlie Battles’ legacy rides along.
Charlie Battles may be gone, but his story still inspires — a reminder that real success isn’t about fame; it’s about staying true to who you are, no matter how rough the ride gets.
