Reba McEntire, born on March 28, 1955, in McAlester, Oklahoma, is an iconic figure in the world of country music. Her remarkable career spans over four decades, during which she has not only established herself as a celebrated singer and songwriter but also as a talented actress, producer, and philanthropist.
Reba McEntire’s music career began in the late 1970s when she signed with Mercury Records. Her breakthrough came with her 1984 album “My Kind of Country,” which produced multiple hit singles, including “How Blue” and “Somebody Should Leave.”
McEntire’s distinctive voice, combined with her ability to convey emotion in her songs, quickly made her one of the most beloved country artists of her generation.
Over the years, she has released numerous chart-topping albums and hit singles, earning her accolades such as Grammy Awards and a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
In addition to her music career, Reba McEntire has also made a significant impact in the world of acting. She starred in her own sitcom, “Reba,” which aired from 2001 to 2007 and showcased her comedic talents.
McEntire has also appeared in films and television series, earning critical acclaim for her acting skills. Her versatility as a performer has solidified her status as a multifaceted entertainer who continues to captivate audiences with her talent and charisma.
Beyond her entertainment career, Reba McEntire is known for her philanthropic efforts and advocacy. She has supported various charitable causes, including disaster relief efforts, and has used her platform to raise awareness about issues such as hunger and domestic violence.
Her dedication to giving back to her community and making a positive impact on society reflects her compassionate and caring nature. Reba McEntire’s enduring legacy in both the music and entertainment industries, as well as her commitment to making the world a better place, continue to inspire and uplift people around the world.
Reba McEntire understands what it’s like to endure sorrow and loss. In 1991, the country superstar lost seven members of her band and her tour manager in an aircraft crash during a concert.
On March 16, 1991, the celebrity and her band performed at a private event in San Diego. Two planes were ready at Brown Field Municipal Airport to transport the band members to Fort Wayne, Ind., for the next gig on their itinerary.
The band members and tour manager flew ahead, leaving McEntire, her then-husband and manager Narvel Blackstock, and her stylist Sandi Spika in San Diego for the night.
In a sad interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2012, McEntire recalled what happened next. The second plane took off and arrived at its destination unharmed, but the first jet to leave crashed barely 10 miles east of the airport.
“The tip of the plane’s wing hit a boulder on the edge of Otay Mountain, and it killed everyone on board,” McEntire told Oprah. “When we were notified, Narvel went to our pilot and told him what had happened.”
“When Narvel returned to the hotel room where I was — two or three a.m. — and said one of the planes had crashed, I asked, ‘Are they OK?’ ‘I don’t think so,’ he responded. ‘But you’re not sure?’ I asked. ‘I don’t think so,’ he replied.”
According to McEntire, they were anxious to learn the specifics of the catastrophe.
“Narvel was going room to room with a phone, ringing…” she said, pausing as tears rose. “I’m sorry – it’s been 20 years, but I don’t think it ever stops hurting,” she added. “But, I can see that scene. Narvel is pacing back and forth.”
Friends like Vince Gill and Dolly Parton offered McEntire their bands to finish the tour, but she declined. For My Broken Heart, her next album was dedicated to the band members she had lost, and it debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, selling four million copies.
On the anniversary of the tragedy, McEntire regularly pays tribute to those who died that day. She used Instagram to commemorate the crash anniversary in 2014. On the 25th anniversary of the tragedy in 2016, she took a memorable trip to San Diego and shared it with admirers on social media.
McEntire wrote, “Today is the 25th anniversary of the plane accident.” “In November last year, I returned to San Diego and took a helicopter to the accident site. I have a feeling they realize how much we miss them. My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to all the families and friends.”
