Reba McEntire is a true country superstar. Since she first hit the stage in the late 1970s, she has captured the hearts of millions of fans. Throughout her life, she has been married twice and has one son named Shelby.
Reba has experienced some tough times, but she still shines with her amazing achievements and a beautiful smile.
In 2022, Reba faced the loss of her mother, Jacqueline, to cancer. They shared a really close relationship and had a special bond, so this was a huge loss for her. Her mom had lived a long and healthy life, and Reba felt prepared for her to move on. The country star shared on social media, “The cancer might think it won the battle, but we’re giving God all the credit for choosing the time for her to go home to Him.”
Jacqueline had always dreamed of being a singer, but when that didn’t happen, she decided to share her passion by teaching her daughter how to sing. She left us knowing how deeply she was loved and how much she loved us in return. Reba said that even though we will all miss her, we have so many wonderful memories to hold onto. Sadly, Reba has experienced loss and sadness before. Thirty-two years ago, on March 16, seven members of her band, along with her manager, tragically lost their lives in a plane crash.
On that fateful day in 1991, the band was in San Diego for a concert and was on their way to Fort Wayne, Indiana, for their next show. Reba and her then-husband decided to stay the night in San Diego, even though they were supposed to fly on a different plane. Just ten miles after takeoff, the band’s jet crashed.
Even though the heartbreaking event happened over thirty years ago, Reba always takes the time to remember the members of her band who are no longer with us. In a 2012 interview with Oprah, she opened up about her grief. “The wing of the airplane hit a rock on Otay Mountain, and everyone on board died,” she explained. Narvel, who is Reba’s manager, went to talk to the pilot when we first heard the news and told us what had happened.
Narvel came back to my hotel room around two or three in the morning and told me that one of the planes had crashed. I asked, “Are they okay?” He replied, “I don’t think so.” I pressed him, “But you’re not sure?” He repeated, “I don’t think so.” Reba couldn’t help but cry as she recalled that awful day.
She shared, “Narvel was going from room to room with a phone, calling…” and then paused as tears filled her eyes. “I’m sorry—it’s been 20 years, but it still hurts just as much,” she said. But I can still picture that room clearly. Narvel is pacing back and forth right now.
The musician honors the victims of the 2020 crash. “I lost friends in a plane accident thirty-nine years ago today. My mom posted on social media that her passing coinciding with this anniversary felt meaningful. I believe they are all together in Heaven, watching over each other.
We should never take a single moment with our loved ones for granted; let’s keep finding ways to care for each other here on Earth.” Her fans quickly sent supportive messages. “Reba, your music, our shared love for horses, and following you on Instagram have always brought me joy.” One fan added, “Sending prayers for you and your mom 🙏.”
This year feels just like the others. Even though time has passed, Reba is still really sad about losing her friends. She can’t keep her feelings to herself. Along with a video of one of their band performances, she shared, “Their passion for music and performing inspires us all to keep moving forward.”
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