Reba Retiring As ACM Host

(AP) - Reba McEntire is retiring from her duties as host of the ACM Awards. She's hosted the ceremonies a record 14 times since 1986, but has no plans to return for the 2013 program.

McEntire told Country Weekly that she's "passed the torch to Blake" - Blake Shelton that is - who co-hosted with McEntire during the 2011 and 2012 Awards. McEntire can still be found on the airwaves, though. In November, ABC premieres "Malibu Country," a new comedy series starring McEntire and actress Lily Tomlin.

It's McEntire's first regular television gig since "Reba" was canceled in 2007. ACM CEO Bob Romeo said in a statement that the Academy fully understands and supports McEntire's "decision to focus her energies on her new television project," and he said they've "known about this for a while." He also said that they have something "very special planned with Blake returning - he's got something big up his sleeve" that will soon be announced.