LOS ANGELES – “Happy’s Place” star Reba McEntire is just like the rest of us when it comes to the flood of AI-generated images in the world: Baffled.
“Social media nowadays, it’s wow, so confusing,” McEntire tells USA TODAY. “I’m in the business and need experts around to tell me, ‘No, that’s AI, that’s not true.’ You have to really source your information.”
In early October, an AI-generated image of McEntire, 70, holding a pregnancy sonogram − with longtime friend Dolly Parton in the background − went viral. So did a disturbing AI fake of Parton on her deathbed.
Parton, 79, put out an Instagram video on Oct. 8 to assure fans she is “OK,” though dealing with “some problems” with her health while undergoing “a few treatments.”
McEntire shot the AI pregnancy nonsense down a day later in an Instagram video tagging Parton. “That AI mess has us doing all kinds of crazy things. You’re out there dying, and I’m out here having a baby? Both of us know you’re too young, and I’m too old for any of that nonsense.”
McEntire, who’s praying for Parton’s speedy recovery, hasn’t spoken to her fellow country music legend since putting up the video.
“The Voice” coach manages a chuckle from the AI pregnancy image, which would require divine intervention.
“It would have to be an immaculate conception,” McEntire says. “It’s ridiculous, but you have to laugh and go on.”
The image also shows her fiancé and “Happy’s Place” co-star Rex Linn looking “more like Bryan Cranston.”
Well, go forward carefully. The world is changing.
“When we were kids, if it was in the newspaper and certain magazines, it was the truth,” says McEntire. Now, “you have to do investigative work to see if it’s true.”
When does ‘Happy’s Place’ Season 2 begin?
“Happy’s Place” Season 2 premieres Nov. 7 on NBC (8 ET/PT). The new season features McEntire’s tavern co-owner Bobbie on the cutting edge of romance with short-order cook Emmett, played by Linn. Meanwhile, the couple is happily engaged in real life.
“Happy’s Place” also stars Belissa Escobedo as Isabella, Bobbie’s half-sister and co-owner of the bar; “Reba” star Melissa Peterman as bartender Gabby; Tokada Black Elk as waiter/handyman Tokada, and Pablo Castelblanco as accoutant Steve.
“It’s complicated for Bobbie and Emmett to get together,” says McEntire. “It’s a workplace romance. It could blow up. It could be great for everyone, or it could be a nightmare.”
