In a heartfelt gesture that has stunned the country music world, country icon Reba McEntire has passed down more than just praise to American Idol Season 23 runner-up John Foster—she’s passed down a piece of her legacy.

In a surprise moment that’s now captivating fans everywhere, Reba sent Foster two deeply personal items: her custom-worn cowboy hat and a vintage 1970s acoustic guitar—an instrument that carried her through her early days playing smoky bars and small-town fairs, long before the spotlight ever found her.

“Play with heart. Wear it with pride,” Reba wrote in a handwritten note included with the gifts. “And let both remind you that greatness comes from staying true to who you are.”

The unexpected delivery left Foster, 18, speechless and in tears. Sharing a photo of the priceless package on Instagram, he wrote, “To be seen by someone like Reba—someone I grew up listening to, someone I admire so deeply—is beyond anything I could have imagined. Thank you for believing in me.”

Foster, who won over millions with his raw, vulnerable performances throughout American Idol, might not have taken home the title, but his impact is undeniable. From his stirring original songs to emotional covers, he brought audiences to tears—and clearly, Reba noticed.

In a statement, Reba said: “He reminds me of myself when I first started my career. I truly admire him. Even though he didn’t win the top title, he has earned the support and love of the fans. I hope this gift will help him shine even brighter in the future.”

Country stars like Kelsea Ballerini and Luke Bryan also chimed in.

“Reba passing the torch like that? Chills. Absolute chills,” Ballerini posted.

“This kid’s going places. Reba knows talent when she sees it,” added Bryan.

More Than a Gift — A Moment in Music History

Music journalist Dana Kingsley weighed in on the moment’s significance: “Reba doesn’t do this lightly. She sees something in John Foster, and she wants the world to see it too. That guitar and hat aren’t just mementos—they’re pieces of country music history.”

The guitar, customized with ivory inlays and worn frets, has carried Reba’s dreams and melodies across decades. The cowboy hat, slightly battered and sweat-stained, is a relic from her journey toward stardom. Now, they’ve become the foundation of Foster’s next chapter.

The Future of Country, With Reba’s Blessing

John Foster’s journey on American Idol was more than a competition—it was a showcase of sincerity, artistry, and heart. From his shaky first audition to his soul-stirring finale, Foster built a bond with viewers that went far beyond the stage.

“I want to make music that tells the truth, music that makes people feel something,” Foster recently shared. “Reba’s music always did that for me. If I can give just a little of that back to the world, I’ll be happy.”

With his debut EP reportedly in the works, fans are eagerly awaiting what comes next, flooding social media with support under the hashtag #FosterRising.

Reba, meanwhile, remains humble. When asked why she chose to reach out to Foster, she simply said: “I know talent when I see it—and I know heart. That boy’s got both.”

A Moment That Transcends Generations

As John Foster dons Reba McEntire’s hat and strums her old guitar, it’s more than a symbolic gesture—it’s a historic moment. It’s a connection between past and future, between a dreamer who made it and one just beginning to rise. And if this moment is any sign, the future of country music just got a whole lot brighter.

Wear the Music. Feel the Heart.
Celebrate John Foster’s unforgettable American Idol journey with exclusive tour-style merch! This limited-edition shirt features every song that made America fall in love with his voice — from heartfelt originals to classic country hits.