Reba Nell McEntire (born March 28, 1955), or simply Reba, is an American country music singer and actress. Dubbed “the Queen of Country”, she has sold more than 75 million records worldwide.
Since the 1970s, McEntire has placed over 100 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, 25 of which reached the number one spot. She is an actress in films and television.
She starred in the television series Reba, which aired for six seasons. She also owns several businesses, including a clothing line.
One of four children, McEntire was born and raised in Oklahoma. With her mother’s help, she and her siblings formed the Singing McEntires, which played at local events and recorded for a small label.
McEntire later enrolled at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and studied to become a public school teacher. She also continued to occasionally perform and was heard singing at a rodeo event by country performer Red Steagall.
Drawn to her singing voice, Steagall helped McEntire secure a country music recording contract with PolyGram/Mercury Records in 1975; she relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, with her mother that year.
Reba McEntire, the beloved country diva, has captured the hearts of millions with her captivating performances over the years.
However, behind her radiant smile lies a history of heartbreaks and tragic losses. Today, we honor Reba’s resilience as she pays tribute to those she has lost.
A Mother-Daughter Bond that Knows No Bounds
In 2022, Reba McEntire bid a tearful farewell to her mother, Jacqueline, as she lost her battle with cancer. The loss was devastating, as the two shared an incredibly close and loving relationship.
Jacqueline, who had always harbored dreams of becoming a singer herself, passed on her love for music to her daughter. Reba cherished every moment spent with her mother and expressed gratitude for the precious memories they shared.
The Tragedy that Shook Her World
Sadly, Jacqueline’s passing wasn’t the only tragedy Reba has faced. Over three decades ago, on March 16, 1991, tragedy struck when seven members of her band and her manager lost their lives in a horrifying plane crash. The band was en route to their next concert, but Reba and her then-husband had chosen to stay in San Diego for the night. The devastating crash occurred just ten miles after takeoff. Even after all these years, Reba never forgets to pay tribute to those she lost.
The Everlasting Pain
During an emotional interview with Oprah in 2012, Reba could not hold back tears as she recalled the tragic day. The pain of that fateful crash still lingers, even after two decades. The memory of her manager, Narvel, walking back and forth, delivering the heartbreaking news, is etched in her mind. The wounds may heal, but the pain never truly goes away.
Remembering Those Lost
Time may pass, but the memories remain. In 2020, Reba took a moment to honor and remember her friends who lost their lives in the crash. She acknowledged that they are all together in heaven, watching over each other. In a poignant social media post, she reminded her fans to cherish their loved ones and to never take a moment for granted.
The Power of Music and Friendship
Reba finds solace in the enduring love for music and the stage that her lost band members possessed. Their passion continues to inspire her and gives her the strength to carry on. She shared a heartfelt video of one of their performances together, reminding us all of the incredible bond they shared as a band.