Reba McEntire, who is 68 today, is a legend who deserves every accolade that comes her way. I still listen to her several times a week, and it often seems as if she has always been a part of my life.
Reba’s life hasn’t been all roses, however; this year commemorates the 32nd anniversary of an aircraft crash that killed several of her friends.
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Reba McEntire, who first gained prominence in the late 1970s and early 1980s, was recognised as the country music industry’s “best singer” for a record four consecutive years. The Hollywood Walk of Fame also has a star in her honour.
Reba has had a great career and a lot of success, but she has also had to deal with some personal tragedies.
Jacqueline, Reba’s mother, died of cancer at the age of 93 in 2022.
She had lived a happy, fulfilling life and was well prepared to go. As the country singer said on social media, “the cancer may think it won the battle, but we’re giving God all the credit on selecting the time for her to go home to Him.”
Jacqueline McEntire trained her daughter Reba to sing in order to fulfil her own lifelong goal of becoming a professional country singer.
She went away secure in the knowledge that she was loved, and we all know that she loved us. All of us will miss her, but we have such great memories of her,” added Reba.
Reba has seen the pain of loss and heartbreak firsthand.
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She tragically lost seven members of her band and her tour manager in an aircraft accident during a performance 32 years ago on March 16.
That September day in 1991 will always stick out in my mind. On my way to the office, I heard the news of the accident on the radio. I almost had a heart attack when I saw Reba was on the aircraft, too.
She wasn’t, though.
Reba and her band had just finished a performance in San Diego on March 16, 1991, and they were on their way to Fort Wayne, Indiana.
The band members and tour manager boarded one jet and left for the next stop on their tour while Reba, her husband, and manager waited in San Diego aboard the other plane.
Tragically, the first plane crashed about 10 miles east of the airport.
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Reba has often memorialised her departed companions throughout the years.
She broke down in tears when discussing the day her band died during a 2012 interview with Oprah Winfrey.
McEntire informed Winfrey that the plane’s wingtip had collided with a boulder on the edge of Otay Mountain, killing everyone on board.
When we were alerted, Narvel (the manager at Reba) met with our pilot and was briefed on the situation. And Narvel came back to the hotel room where I was and said one of the aircraft had crashed and I said, “Are they OK?” It was about two or three in the morning. ‘I don’t think so,’ he said. But you’re not certain, right? “I don’t think so,” he said.
As Reba recounted the catastrophe, she could not hold back her emotions.
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With tears in her eyes, she added, “Narvel was going room to room with a phone and calling…” It’s been 20 years, but it’s just like — I don’t think it ever ceases hurting,” she added. In any case, I can make out that particular room. Narvel is pacing back and forth, and I can observe him.
The accident happened 32 years ago. Recently, she shared an Instagram snapshot of her band in which she referenced the awful events of that day.
She paid yet another online homage to her pals in the year 2020.
My companions and I were all killed in an aircraft accident 29 years ago today. It’s fitting that Mama passed away on that anniversary,” she writes.
I have faith that they are all together in Heaven, looking out for one another. Let’s keep looking for new ways to look out for one another on this planet, and let’s make sure we never take any of the time we have with our loved ones for granted.
The country music star’s devoted fanbase jumped in to provide their support right away.
Many individuals prayed for success and expressed their best wishes.
“Reba I’ve always been a big fan of your music, and I really relate to you because of your experience with horses. One of your fans prayed for you and your mum.
Reba proved once again in 2023 that she had not moved on from the awful death of her pals.
She said, “Their love for music and the stage gives us all the strength to go on,” and included a video of the band in action.
We apologise, Reba. Wonderful lady, you, keep your strength. God must have a plan for you, since you bring joy to so many people. Be positive!
