Today, Reba McEntire, the legendary country singer, turns 68, and she deserves all the admiration she can get. It feels like she’s been part of my life forever—I still listen to her music several times a week.
But Reba’s journey hasn’t always been smooth sailing. This year marks the 32nd anniversary of a tragic plane crash that took the lives of several close friends of hers.
Reba made her big break in country music in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Her talent was undeniable, and the Country Music Association even named her “best singer” four years in a row. She also has her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a testament to her incredible success.
Yet, despite all her achievements, Reba has faced some heartbreaking moments in her life. In 2022, her beloved mother, Jacqueline, passed away after battling cancer. She was 93.
Reba shared the sad news on social media, saying, “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.”
Jacqueline had always dreamed of becoming a professional country singer. Though she didn’t achieve that dream herself, she passed her passion on to Reba, teaching her to sing and helping her realize that dream.
“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 in a heartfelt message.
Reba has faced loss before, though. Thirty-two years ago, on March 16, 1991, she lost seven of her band members and her tour manager in a tragic plane crash.
I still remember that day clearly. I was driving to work when I heard the news on the radio. My heart sank. For a moment, I thought Reba might have been on the plane too.
But she wasn’t.
Reba and her band had just performed in San Diego and were preparing to fly to Fort Wayne, Indiana, for their next concert. There were two planes waiting at the airport. The band and the tour manager flew ahead while Reba, her husband, and her manager stayed behind in San Diego for the night.
Just ten miles from the airport, the first plane crashed.
Reba has never forgotten her lost friends. Over the years, she has often paid tribute to them, and in a 2012 interview with Oprah Winfrey, she opened up 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,” she told Oprah, her voice filled with emotion.
“When we were notified, Narvel (Reba’s manager) went and met with our pilot, and he told us what had happened. Narvel came back 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?’ and he said, ‘I don’t think so.’ I asked again, ‘But you’re not sure?’ He replied, ‘I don’t think so.’”
Reba recalled that heartbreaking moment, tears welling up in her eyes.
“Narvel was going room to room with a phone, calling everyone…” she paused, her voice shaking. “I’m sorry—it’s been 20 years, but it’s like… I don’t guess it ever quits hurting. I can still see that room. I can still see Narvel walking back and forth.”
Now, 32 years have passed since that tragic crash. Recently, Reba posted a photo of her band on Instagram, remembering that fateful 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 added, “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.”
Fans immediately responded with love and support, filling the comments with positive thoughts and prayers. 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.”
Even this year, in 2023, Reba continued to show that she will never forget her friends. She posted a touching message, writing, “Their love for music and the stage gives us all the strength to go on.” Along with the message, she shared a video of her band performing together, a beautiful tribute to their memory.
“Stay strong, Reba,” one fan commented. “God kept you here on earth for a reason. You make so many people happy. Keep smiling!”
Reba McEntire, a true country legend, has shown us all that even through the toughest times, love, strength, and music can carry us forward.
