Today, the incredible Reba McEntire is celebrating her 68th birthday, and she truly deserves every accolade she receives. Personally, it feels like she has been a constant presence throughout my life, and I still find myself listening to her music several times a week.
However, Reba’s life hasn’t been without challenges. This year marks the 32nd anniversary of a plane disaster that claimed the lives of several of her friends.
After establishing herself in country music in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Reba McEntire was named “best singer” four years in a row by the Country Music Association. She also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Despite her phenomenal career and numerous successes, life has thrown some tough moments at Reba, including personal tragedies.
In 2022, Reba’s mother, Jacqueline, lost her battle with cancer, passing away at the age of 93.
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 on selecting the time for her to go home to Him,” the country star wrote on social media.
Jacqueline McEntire always harbored the dream of being a professional country singer, and she was the one who taught Reba to sing, thereby realizing her ambitions 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.
Reba is no stranger to enduring sorrow and loss.
32 years ago, on March 16, she lost seven of her band members and her tour manager in a tragic plane crash after a concert.
I remember that day in 1991. I was driving to work and heard about the crash on the radio. My heart skipped a beat when I thought Reba was on the plane.
But she wasn’t.
Reba and her band had performed in San Diego on March 16, 1991, and were heading to Fort Wayne, Ind., for their next concert on the tour.
Two planes were waiting at the airport in San Diego – the band members and tour manager flew ahead while Reba, her husband, and manager stayed overnight in San Diego.
The first aircraft tragically met with disaster just ten miles east of the airport.
Over the years, Reba has often paid tribute to her lost friends.
In an emotional interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2012, she spoke about the day her band perished.
“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 Winfrey.
“When we received the notification, Narvel (Reba’s manager) went to meet with our pilot, and he informed us about what had happened. Narvel returned to the hotel room where I was—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 replied, ‘I don’t think so.’ I said, ‘But you’re not sure?’ He said, ‘I don’t think so.’”
Reba had tears in her eyes as she recounted the details of the tragedy.
“Narvel was going room to room with a phone and calling…” she began, pausing as tears welled up. “I’m sorry—it’s been 20 years, but it’s just like—I don’t guess it ever quits hurting,” she said. “But I can see that room. I can see Narvel walking back and forth.”
Now, 32 years have passed since the crash. Recently, she shared a photo of her band on Instagram, recalling the tragic events of that day.
In 2020, she posted another tribute to her friends.
“29 years ago today, I lost my friends in a plane crash. The timing of Mama’s passing with that anniversary seems appropriate,” she wrote.
“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 stepped up, sending their support to the country star.
Many people offered positive thoughts and prayers.
“Reba, I’ve always loved your music, our shared horse background, and now following you on Insta. Prayers for you and your mother,” one fan wrote.
This year, in 2023, Reba once again demonstrated that she will never forget her friends and that she still mourns their tragic loss.
“Their love for music and the stage gives us all the strength to go on,” she wrote and shared a video of the group performing together.