Reba McEntire is a country music legend who has been entertaining fans for decades. With her powerful voice and captivating stage presence, she has become a beloved figure in the music industry. However, behind her bright smile and charming personality, Reba has faced her share of heartbreak and tragedy.
In 2022, Reba lost her mother, Jacqueline, to cancer. The two were extremely close, and Reba has often spoken about the significant influence her mother had on her life and career. Reba’s mother had always dreamed of becoming a singer herself, but instead, she taught Reba how to sing. Reba has fondly remembered her mother’s love and support, saying, “She left knowing how much she is loved, and we all know how much she loved us.”
However, this was not the first time Reba had experienced loss. In 1991, seven members of her band, along with her manager, tragically lost their lives in a plane crash. The accident occurred just ten miles after takeoff, and Reba was supposed to be on the plane but had decided to stay in San Diego for the night.
The loss of her band members and manager had a profound impact on Reba. She has never forgotten the tragedy and continues to pay tribute to their memory. In a 2012 interview with Oprah, Reba recalled the day of the crash, saying, “The tip of the wing of the airplane hit a rock on the side of Otay Mountain, and it killed everyone on the plane.”
Reba’s emotions still run deep when remembering the tragedy. She has often spoken about the pain and sadness that still linger, saying, “I don’t guess it ever quits hurting.” Despite the passing of time, Reba continues to honor the memory of her late band members and manager.
In 2020, Reba paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the crash, 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 also shared a message of love and support, encouraging her fans to “keep finding ways to take care of each other down here on earth and never take one moment with our loved ones for granted.”
This year, Reba once again remembered her late band members, sharing a video of one of their performances together. She wrote, “Their love for music and the stage gives us all the strength to go on.” Reba’s heartfelt tribute was met with an outpouring of support from her fans, who praised her for her strength and resilience.
Reba McEntire’s story is a testament to the power of love, loss, and memory. Despite facing unimaginable tragedy, Reba continues to inspire and uplift her fans with her music and her unwavering dedication to honoring the memory of those she has lost.
