Billboard magazine will bestow its first-ever Woman of the Year Award upon country star Reba McEntire, during ceremonies in New York City on Oct. 5.

Billboard’s “Woman of the Year” was obviously impressed with the honor.

“I am thrilled to be selected as Woman of the Year by Billboard,” McEntire, 52, said in a statement. “Although my career has taken me to TV, film and Broadway, music is and always will be my first love.

“I am touched to be embraced in such a warm way.”

The award recognizes women who have made significant contributions to the music business and who inspire other women to assume greater responsibilities within the industry, Billboard said.

“Reba is an inspiration to women everywhere. We are delighted to be presenting her with this award,” Billboard Group editorial director Tamara Conniff said.

Conniff added that the award coincides with its second annual Women in Music issue, which will be published in early October. The ceremony will honor 20 top female executives in the music industry who will be featured in the upcoming Women in Music issue.

Among McEntire’s hits are “(You Lift Me Up) to Heaven” and “Little Rock,” as well as “What Am I Gonna Do About You.”

She has also appeared in films such as Ron Underwood's “Tremors” and earned great critical acclaim as a replacement star in the Broadway revival of Irving Berlin's musical “Annie Get Your Gun.”

McEntire also starred in her own sitcom, titled “Reba,” from 2001 to February 2007, when The WB Television Network aired its finale.

The singer has a new album of duets coming out later this month, which sees her team up with artists such as Justin Timberlake, Kelly Clarkson, Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Carole King and Faith Hill.

McEntire also has her own clothing line.