Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert and Lainey Wilson shared their hopes for women in the country music industry as they spoke about the inspiration behind their recently-debuted collaboration, “Trailblazer.”

The powerhouse trio delivered the world premiere performance of “Trailblazer” on the 60th ACM Awards stage last month. McEntire returned to host the Academy of Country Music’s show for the 18th time (more than any other artist) at the world headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys at The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Lambert and Wilson wrote “Trailblazer” with Brandy Clark, and McEntire produced it with Tony Brown.

“Thank God for the women before us because I was always watching and studying Barbara Mandrell, Dolly, Loretta, Tammy. They all stuck together and helped each other out,” McEntire said in a new behind-the-scenes look, titled “The Making of Trailblazer,” that premiered on Wednesday (June 25). McEntire echoed similar sentiments in a recent interview with iHeartCountry, sharing that she always wanted “to learn from” Parton, Lynn, Wynette, Mandrell, Anne Murray, Brenda Lee, and others.

“To me, being a trailblazer kind of means like tipping your hat to the women of the past, but also helping somebody over that wall,” said the Whirlwind star, who won Entertainer of the Year at the 60th ACM Awards for her second consecutive year. “And I think that’s something that we’re going to have to, like, continue doing for the rest of forever.”

McEntire agreed, and said her hope is “that in 100 years, the girls that follow behind us have strong work ethics and they love country music and represent it well.”

“I hope they have friendship, too. I hope that they use country music to band together instead of tear each other apart,” Lambert added. “It takes a lot more energy to be a b**** [than to be kind]. Sometimes it’s worth it,” she joked, and all three shared a laugh. Wilson, whose Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum exhibit will open next month, replied, “and that’s why I love you. If I get in a fight, I know who I’m calling!”

Watch the making of “Trailblazer” here, and listen to the full song below.

Kathi Yeager