Reba McEntire was chosen “best singer” four years in a row by the Country Music Association after breaking through in country music in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Obviously, she has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Despite her amazing career and all of her accomplishments, Reba’s life has also been difficult; she has experienced a number of personal tragedies.
Reba’s mom, Jacqueline, passed suddenly from cancer in 2020, at the age of 93.
She had lived an amazing, full, and healthy life and was completely prepared to go. The cancer may believe it has won the battle, but they’re giving God full credit for choosing the time for her to return to Him, the country singer posted on social media.
Jacqueline McEntire aspired to be a professional country singer, and it was she who taught Reba to sing, allowing her dreams to come true via her daughter.
She left knowing she was loved, and they all knew she loved them. They’ll all miss her, however have so many wonderful memories with her, Reba added.
Reba has surely experienced sadness and loss.
On March 16, 1991, she lost seven of her bandmates and her tour manager in a catastrophic aircraft accident during a performance.
She recalls that day in 1991. She was on her way to work when she heard about the accident on the radio. When she assumed Reba was also on the aircraft, her heart skipped a beat.
She, on the other hand, was not.
Reba and her band had played in San Diego on March 16, 1991, and were on their way to Fort Wayne, Indiana, for their next stop on the tour.
Two aircraft were waiting at the San Diego airport: the band members and tour manager went ahead, while Reba, her husband, and manager remained overnight.
The first plane was unfortunately lost approximately 10 miles east of the airport.
Reba has often paid homage to her lost friends throughout the years.
The plane crash March 16, 1991 took the lives of my friends. They will never be forgotten.
Posted by Reba McEntire on Sunday, 16 March 2014
She spoke up about the day her band died in an emotional interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2012.
The tip of the airplane’s wing hit a rock on the side of Otay Mountain, and it killed all on the plane, McEntire said to Winfrey.
When they were notified, Narvel (Reba’s manager) went to their pilot and told him what had occurred. And Narvel returned to the hotel room where she was — it was two or three a.m.—and said one of the aircraft had crashed, and she said, are they OK? He responded, saying he did not think so.
Reba’s eyes welled up as she remembered the specifics of the catastrophe.
Narvel was going room to room with a phone, calling… she said, halting as tears welled up in her eyes. She is sorry — it’s been 20 years—but she doesn’t think it ever stops hurting, she added. However, she can see that chamber. Narvel is pacing back and forth.
It has already been 32 years since the tragedy. She just shared a snapshot of her band on Instagram, reflecting the awful events of that day.
She paid another homage to her pals in 2020.
She lost her friends in a plane crash 29 years ago today. The timing of Mama’s death with that anniversary seems fitting, she writes.
She believes they’re all in heaven together, looking after each other. Let’s continue to discover methods to care for one another here on Earth, and never take a single minute with one’s loved ones for granted.
Reba’s admirers rushed to her aid, sending messages of encouragement.
Many people expressed their best wishes and prayers.
Reba proved once again in 2023 that she would never forget her friends and that she still grieves their awful deaths.
Their love for music and the stage provides all the strength to keep going on, she said, sharing a video of the band playing together.
Reba, I’m so sorry. Stay strong, you amazing lady. God has preserved you on this planet for a reason: you make so many people happy. Continue to smile!