Today, Reba McEntire is 68 years old, and she truly deserves all the praise she gets. It feels like she has been part of my life forever, and I still listen to her music several times a week.
However, 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 friends.
After breaking into country music in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Reba McEntire was named “best singer” for four years in a row by the Country Music Association. She also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
But despite her amazing career and success, Reba has faced many personal challenges. In 2022, her mother, Jacqueline, lost her battle with cancer 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 for choosing the time for her to go home,” the country star wrote on social media.
Jacqueline McEntire always dreamed of being a professional country singer, and she was the one who taught Reba to sing, fulfilling 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 truly understands what it means to face sorrow and loss.
Thirty-two years ago, on March 16, Reba McEntire 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 also 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, Indiana, for their next concert on the tour.
Two planes were waiting at the airport in San Diego. The band members and tour manager flew on ahead while Reba, her husband, and her manager stayed overnight in San Diego.
The first plane tragically crashed just ten miles east of the airport.
Over the years, Reba has often remembered her lost friends.
In a heartfelt interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2012, she talked about the day her band died.
“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 were notified, Narvel (Reba’s manager) went to meet 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?’ He said, ‘I don’t think so.’ I asked, ‘But you’re not sure?’ He said, ‘I don’t think so.’”
Reba had tears in her eyes as she remembered the details of the tragedy.
“Narvel was going room to room with a phone and calling…” she began, pausing as tears filled her eyes. “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 to remember the tragic events of that day.
In 2020, she also paid 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 quickly offered their support to the country star. Many sent 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.
In 2023, Reba showed once again that she will never forget her friends and still mourns their tragic loss.
“Their love for music and the stage gives us all the strength to go on,” she wrote, sharing a video of the group performing together.
A Bride Won’t Change Wedding Time for Sister’s Nap Schedule and Stands Firm
When two individuals maintain their limits, conflict may arise. In today’s tale, a woman defied her obstinate sister by refusing to back down. She had a valid cause, too: she was getting married.
The pair decided to get married in the autumn.
My fiancé and I will wed in October of this year. We are ecstatic about our January engagement. We are only inviting close family and friends to the intimate wedding.
My sister Lisa is the source of the issue. Lisa and her spouse are parents to a 2-year-old kid. I can’t put all the reasons why I don’t have a really loving connection with Lisa into this post.
The wedding invites were sent out last month. We asked our guests to please attend at the site by 1:00 p.m. as our wedding ceremony is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. Since the event will be held near our hometown, Lisa and most of the other guests will be able to easily get there.
Lisa informed me that her 2-year-old’s nap schedule meant the timing “wouldn’t work.” She explained that he naps at twelve and that she is not pressuring him to stay awake so she can prepare him for the occasion, otherwise he will be a nightmare. Despite the fact that I am childless, I felt this was an absurd excuse.
Lisa told me she couldn’t get a babysitter because all of her trusted people would be attending the wedding when I asked. She claimed she wouldn’t be able to make the wedding, so I proposed that they at least go to the reception.
She informed me that if the time isn’t changed, she won’t be at the wedding. I informed her that was not possible. Lisa declared she wouldn’t be going then. This pained me a great deal. I immediately ended the conversation with an excuse because I wasn’t sure how to respond at the time.
Lisa asked me what I thought of her suggestion a few days later. I reminded her that we are unable to alter the time. She said she hopes I’m glad they’re not coming and that everyone will wonder why she’s not there, and that it’s all because I can’t bring my nephew. The world doesn’t revolve around her and her son, I informed her angrily. She blocked me after calling me a bridezilla.
I simply don’t think I’m at fault, despite my mother’s persistent demands that I make apologies with Lisa.
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