Today, the incredible Reba McEntire turns 68, and she truly deserves every bit of praise! It feels like she’s been a part of my life forever—I listen to her music several times a week.
But Reba’s life hasn’t been all smooth sailing. This year marks the 32nd anniversary of a tragic plane crash that took the lives of many of her friends.
Reba rose to fame in country music in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and she was named “Best Singer” by the Country Music Association for four consecutive years! She also has a shining star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Despite her amazing career, Reba has faced significant hardships. In 2022, her beloved mother, Jacqueline, passed away at 93 after a long battle with cancer.
“She had a wonderful, full, healthy life and was absolutely ready to go. The cancer might think it won the battle, but we’re giving God all the credit for selecting the time for her to go home to Him,” Reba shared on social media.
Jacqueline McEntire had always dreamed of being a professional country singer and taught Reba to sing, fulfilling her own dreams through her daughter.
“She left knowing how much she is loved, and we all know how much she loved us. We’re all going to miss her, but we have so many wonderful memories,” Reba said, reflecting on her mother’s love.
Reba knows all too well about sorrow and loss. On March 16, 1991, she lost seven of her band members and her tour manager in a horrific plane crash after a concert.
I still remember that day vividly. I was driving to work when I heard the news on the radio. My heart raced as I feared Reba might have been on that plane.
But she wasn’t.
Reba and her band had just performed in San Diego and were headed to Fort Wayne, Indiana, for their next concert. Two planes were waiting at the airport in San Diego—one for the band members and tour manager, while Reba, her husband, and her manager stayed overnight.
Tragically, the first plane crashed just ten miles from the airport.
Over the years, Reba has paid tribute to her lost friends many times. In a heartfelt interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2012, she spoke about that devastating day.
“The tip of the wing of the airplane hit a rock on the side of Otay Mountain, and it killed everyone on the plane,” McEntire told Oprah.
“When we were notified, Narvel (Reba’s manager) went to meet with our pilot, who told us what had happened. Narvel came back to my hotel room—it was two or three o’clock in the morning—and he said one of the planes had crashed. I asked, ‘Are they OK?’ He said, ‘I don’t think so.’ I pressed, ‘But you’re not sure?’ He said, ‘I don’t think so.’”
Tears filled Reba’s eyes as she remembered the painful details.
“Narvel was going from room to room with a phone and calling…” she began, pausing to regain her composure. “I’m sorry—it’s been 20 years, but it’s just like—I don’t guess it ever quits hurting. But I can see that room. I can see Narvel walking back and forth.”
Now, 32 years have passed since that tragic crash. Recently, Reba shared a photo of her band on Instagram, honoring the memory of that heartbreaking day. In 2020, she posted another tribute, saying, “29 years ago today, I lost my friends in a plane crash. The timing of Mama’s passing with that anniversary seems appropriate.”
She continued, “I know they’re all in Heaven together and taking care of each other. Let’s keep finding ways to take care of each other down here on earth and never take one moment with our loved ones for granted.”
Reba’s fans immediately rallied around her, sending love and support. One fan wrote, “Reba, I’ve always loved your music, our shared horse background, and now following you on Insta. Prayers for you and your mother.”
In 2023, Reba once again showed that she will never forget her friends and continues to feel their loss deeply. She shared, “Their love for music and the stage gives us all the strength to go on,” along with a video of her group performing together.
We’re all here for you, Reba. Stay strong, you amazing woman. God kept you here for a reason—you bring so much joy to so many. Keep smiling!
