Reba McEntire, a country music icon, recently turned 68 years old, and she deserves every bit of praise she receives. For many fans, it feels like she has been a constant presence in their lives, with her timeless music still playing in homes and on radio stations across the country.

However, Reba’s journey has not always been smooth. This year marks the 32nd anniversary of a devastating plane crash that took the lives of several people close to her—a tragedy that has left a lasting impact on the beloved singer.

Reba McEntire’s Rise to Stardom

Reba McEntire burst onto the country music scene in the late 1970s and early 1980s, quickly earning widespread recognition for her powerful voice and heartfelt storytelling. Her success was undeniable—she won the Country Music Association’s “Best Singer” award four years in a row and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Despite her achievements, life has not always been easy for Reba. Behind the bright lights and applause, she has faced deep personal losses that have shaped her life and career.

A Mother’s Legacy

One of Reba’s most profound losses was the passing of her mother, Jacqueline McEntire, in 2022. At 93 years old, Jacqueline had lived a full and meaningful life. She was completely prepared for her passing, and Reba found solace in the fact that she left surrounded by love.

“The cancer may believe it has won the fight, but we’re giving God all the credit for choosing the time for her to go home to Him,” Reba shared on social media.

Jacqueline had always dreamed of being a country singer herself, and though she never pursued it professionally, she fulfilled that dream by teaching Reba how to sing. Her passion for music lives on through her daughter, whose career has touched millions.

“We all know how much she loved us, and she left knowing how much love she had,” Reba reflected. “We have so many amazing memories, but we’re going to miss her dearly.”

The Plane Crash That Shattered Reba’s World

Reba is no stranger to grief. One of the darkest days of her life occurred on March 16, 1991, when a tragic plane crash took the lives of her tour manager and seven members of her band.

That morning, after performing in San Diego, Reba’s band was en route to Fort Wayne, Indiana, for the next tour stop. Two flights were scheduled to leave the San Diego airport—one carrying Reba, her husband, and her manager, and the other carrying her band members and tour manager.

Ten miles east of the airport, tragedy struck. The plane carrying her band crashed into the side of Otay Mountain, killing everyone on board.

Reba, still in San Diego, was devastated when she received the news. The memory of that day remains vivid in her mind.

Reba Opens Up About the Tragedy

In a 2012 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Reba tearfully recalled the moment she learned about the crash.

“Our pilot was contacted, and Narvel, my manager, went to meet with him,” she said. “When Narvel returned to my hotel room at two or three in the morning, he informed me that one of the planes had crashed. I asked, ‘Are they okay?’ He replied, ‘I don’t think so.’ I kept pressing, ‘But you’re not sure?’ And he just shook his head.”

The pain of that loss never faded. Even years later, Reba struggles to talk about it without emotion.

“Narvel was calling from room to room while holding a phone,” she recalled, pausing as tears welled up in her eyes. “I’m sorry, but even after all these years, it still hurts like it was yesterday.”

Remembering Her Bandmates

Though it has been 32 years since that devastating day, Reba continues to honor the memory of her lost friends. In 2023, she posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, sharing a photo of her band and remembering their passion for music.

In 2020, on the 29th anniversary of the crash, she wrote, “I lost my pals in a plane tragedy 29 years ago today. It seems fitting that Mama passed away on that anniversary. I am aware that they are all together in Heaven, looking out for one another. Let’s continue to look out for each other while we’re still on this planet and never take a moment for granted with our loved ones.”

Her words resonated deeply with fans, who flooded her post with prayers and support.

“Reba, I’ve always admired your music, our mutual love of horses, and now, following you on Instagram, I admire you even more. May God bless you and your mother,” one fan wrote.

Moving Forward While Remembering the Past

Despite the tragedy, Reba has continued to share her gift with the world, proving that even in the face of immense grief, life goes on. She remains one of the most beloved artists in country music, and her resilience has inspired countless people.

In 2023, she once again paid tribute to her late band members by posting a video of them performing together.

“Their love for music and the stage gives us all the strength to go on,” she wrote.

Reba McEntire’s journey has been marked by triumph and tragedy, but through it all, she has remained a beacon of strength and grace. Though the pain of loss never truly disappears, she continues to honor the memories of those she loved while sharing her incredible talent with the world.

And for that, we will always admire her.