Today, the amazing Reba McEntire celebrates her 68th birthday, and she truly deserves all the love and praise! It feels like she’s been part of my life forever—I still listen to her songs several times a week.
But Reba’s life hasn’t always been easy. This year marks the 32nd anniversary of a tragic plane crash that took the lives of several of her close friends.
Reba burst onto the country music scene in the late 1970s and early 1980s. She quickly became a star, winning “Best Singer” from the Country Music Association four years in a row! She even has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, shining bright like her career.
However, despite her incredible success, Reba has faced tough times, including personal tragedies. In 2022, her mother, Jacqueline, passed away at the age of 93 after a long battle with cancer.
Reba shared this heart-wrenching news on social media, writing, “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.”
Jacqueline had always dreamed of being a country singer and taught Reba how to sing, living out 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 the love they shared.
Reba knows all too well what it means to endure sorrow. 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 remember that day clearly. I was driving to work when I heard the news on the radio. My heart skipped a beat as I feared Reba was on that plane.
But she wasn’t.
Reba and her band had just performed in San Diego and were heading to Fort Wayne, Indiana, for their next show. Two planes were scheduled to leave San Diego—her band members and tour manager took off while Reba, her husband, and her manager stayed behind for the night.
Tragically, the first plane crashed just ten miles from the airport.
Over the years, Reba has often honored her lost friends. In a powerful interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2012, she spoke about that fateful 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 heavy with emotion.
“When we were notified, Narvel (Reba’s manager) went and met with our pilot. He 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?’ He said, ‘I don’t think so.’ I pressed him, ‘But you’re not sure?’ and he replied, ‘I don’t think so.’”
As she recalled the tragedy, tears filled Reba’s eyes.
“Narvel was going room to room with a phone, calling everyone…” she paused, emotion washing over her. “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 later, Reba continues to remember her friends. Recently, she posted a photo of her band on Instagram, reflecting on that tragic day. In 2020, she shared another tribute, writing, “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.”
Reba’s fans quickly rallied to support her, sending love 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.”
In 2023, Reba showed once again that she will never forget her friends and still mourns their tragic loss. She posted, “Their love for music and the stage gives us all the strength to go on,” along with a video of the group performing together.
We’re all here for you, Reba. Stay strong, you incredible woman. God kept you here for a reason—you bring so much joy to so many. Keep smiling!
