After 23 seasons, Blake Shelton‘s time on The Voice is coming to an end, and the country music superstar is feeling a bit emotional about his departure. 

Of course, he’s handling the change with his trademark wit and sense of humor, but the return of a fellow Oklahoman (and country music icon) has the singer feeling nostalgic.

Reba McEntire has joined the cast of The Voice as this season’s Mega Mentor, but it’s not her first time on the hit singing competition. 

The Grammy Award-winning artist has appeared alongside Blake on two previous seasons.

Blake shared a photo with Reba from season 23 along with one from the show’s premiere season back in 2011. The throwback photo had fans feeling emotional.

“My heart breaks for Blake’s departure. The Voice will never be the same. #TeamBlake 🥰”

“love you both, especially together 💕”

“Awww, ya’ll. Making me happy & sad at the same time!❤️”

“I’m emotional 🤧”

“Crying in the (country) club 😭😭😭”

Other fans called for Reba to take Blake’s place when he departs the show: “Blake will be missed!!! Put Reba in his place❤️”

Long-time viewers of The Voice might be surprised to learn that Reba was offered the position of coach back in the show’s first season. She turned down the job and that seat ultimately went to Blake. Reba told ET, “It was a very popular show in Holland, I’m pretty sure, and I watched the tape, and I said, ‘No, I’m going to pass on that,’ because I don’t think I could ever be able to tell somebody that they’re terrible or go find another job or hope you like your nighttime job. I couldn’t do that day in and day out. I just couldn’t do it. So I did pass on it.”

Blake and Reba took a trip down memory lane watching clips from previous seasons. Reba appeared on The Voice in season 1 (2011) and season 8 (2015), and the duo watched footage from the episodes. Reba points out that things have changed on The Voice, but comments, “I think we’ve weathered very well.”

Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.

Source: USA Today