James Otto Joins Meghan Linsey for Steel Magnolia Shows

Steel Magnolia's Joshua Scott Jones may be in rehab, but the show must go on. The duo, who were invited by Reba McEntire to hit the road with her this fall, will fulfill those dates, with another country star taking Joshua's place while he battles his addiction issues.

'Just Got Started Loving You' singer James Otto has been invited by Meghan Linsey to take Joshua's spot for select tour dates. "When I got the call from Meg, I thought it was a great idea," he tells GAC. "I thought our voices would blend really well. I know that our musical tastes are very similar and we're coming from the same place. Man, who wouldn't want to be out on tour with Reba McEntire? That was one of those things that's a no-brainer."

The married father of one-year-old daughter Ava says the decision to join Reba's tour, which also includes Eden's Edge and the Band Perry, was made easier because of her loyal -- and loud -- fan base.

"Reba's fans and playing in front of Reba is awesome," says James. "Her fans come there for a show, they come there to be entertained and if you give them all that you have, you lay it out there on the line and you feel the love back from them. Meg and I are really enjoying ourselves playing for that crowd."

The decision for Joshua to enter rehab was not an easy one, but his partner (and fiancé) assured their followers early on that Steel Magnolia's concert schedule wouldn't miss a beat in his absence. "I want to let you all know that as of now all Steel Magnolia scheduled shows will be happening, including the REBA tour," she promised on the band's website following Joshua's surprise announcement. "Obviously with Josh taking this time to get healthy he will not be with us, but we will still the playing the same hits you've heard at radio and putting on an amazing live show that might even feature some surprises! As hard as this time has been, I am excited to get out there and see you all. I cannot thank the fans enough for your continued love and support."

The tour continues this Thursday (October 27) with a show in Iowa, followed by stops in Missouri and Nebraska. Keep track of their concert schedule here.