Singing from the Heart
Reba McEntire, the iconic country singer, recently revealed that she almost gave up on her passion for singing after the loss of her beloved mother.
During an interview on TODAY, McEntire opened up about her struggle. She shared a touching conversation she had with her sister, Susie, while they were working at their childhood home.
McEntire told her sister, “I don’t know if I want to sing anymore.” When the puzzled Susie asked her why, McEntire responded, “Because I always sang for Mama.” Her mother was not only her inspiration but also her guide, teaching her and her siblings how to sing and supporting them wholeheartedly in their singing endeavors.
Losing her mother, Jacqueline, in 2020 at the age of 93, had a profound impact on McEntire. The singer admitted that she had lost her enthusiasm for music, which had always been such an integral part of her life.
A Dream Passed Down
McEntire revealed that her mother had her own ambitions of becoming a singer. She shared, “She said, ‘Reba, I will be living my dreams through you.’ So golly, why wouldn’t you want to go sing?” Her mother’s dreams became intertwined with McEntire’s, and their shared love for music created a bond that would always keep McEntire connected to her passion.
Reclaiming Her Voice
Despite her initial doubts, McEntire found a way to honor her mother’s memory and reignite her love for singing. Her latest song, “Seven Minutes in Heaven,” was inspired by her mother and their deep emotional connection. During her appearance on TODAY, McEntire performed the powerful and meaningful song, reminding herself and her fans of the strength that can come from embracing our past while moving forward.
Finding Support and Love
McEntire also shared how her boyfriend, Rex Linn, provided essential support during this difficult time. Having someone to share both the joyous and sorrowful moments allowed her to navigate her grief with someone by her side. She expressed her gratitude for Linn, describing him as an uplifting and positive presence in her life.
Music: Knitting the McEntire Family Together
Music has always played a significant role in the McEntire family. The absence of a car radio in their childhood car journeys led to moments of bonding and entertainment. McEntire fondly remembers her mother encouraging her and her siblings to sing, transforming them into the “singing McEntires.” These cherished memories highlight the strong foundation of music and family that still influences McEntire to this day.
A Journey of Healing and Resilience
Reba McEntire’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the healing potential of music. Despite facing loss and grief, she found the strength to carry on and reconnect with her passion. By sharing her experiences, she reminds us all that even in the darkest times, there are sparks of hope and inspiration waiting to be discovered.
