Reba McEntire, the superstar of country music, has faced great loss and sorrow throughout her career. In 1991, tragedy struck when an airplane carrying her tour manager and seven band members crashed after a performance in San Diego.
This devastating incident forever changed the lives of those left behind and left Reba mourning the loss of her beloved friends.
In a touching interview with Oprah Winfrey, Reba bravely shared the details of what happened that fateful day. The band members boarded a plane to their next concert in Fort Wayne, Indiana, while Reba, her then-husband Narvel Blackstock, and her stylist Sandi Spika remained in San Diego. Tragically, the plane carrying their dear friends crashed only ten miles from the airport, taking the lives of everyone on board.
Recalling the moment she received the heartbreaking news, Reba expressed her feelings of hope and despair. She anxiously waited in her hotel room as Narvel returned, carrying the weight of the tragedy on his shoulders. When Reba asked about their friends, Narvel’s response shattered her hopes. The loss and uncertainty cast a dark cloud over them both.
Despite the immense grief, Reba found solace in the support of her close friends, including Vince Gill and Dolly Parton.
They offered their bands to finish the tour, but Reba chose to embark on a personal journey of healing. She poured her heart and soul into her next album, “For My Broken Heart,” a poignant tribute to the band members she had lost and a testament to her unwavering love for them.
Surprisingly, “For My Broken Heart” soared to the top of the charts, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and selling an incredible four million copies.
Every year, on the anniversary of the tragic incident, Reba McEntire remembers those who lost their lives.
She uses social media platforms to ensure their memory lives on, creating heartfelt memorials for her devoted followers. In 2014, she shared a touching tribute on Instagram to commemorate the crash’s anniversary.
Then, on the 25th anniversary of the tragedy in 2016, Reba embarked on a moving journey to San Diego, a city that held a special place in her heart. She graciously shared this significant trip through her social media channels, providing her devoted followers with a glimpse into her healing process.
Reba also took the time to write a heartfelt message, expressing her deep emotions on the anniversary.
She returned to the crash site and felt a powerful connection to those who had passed away, realizing they knew how much they were missed. Her thoughts and prayers went out to all the families and friends affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.
Even after 20 years, the sorrow of losing her band members never truly goes away for Reba McEntire. She carries their memory with her always, ensuring they are never forgotten.
Even after 20 years, the sorrow of losing her band members never truly goes away for Reba McEntire. She carries their memory with her always, ensuring they are never forgotten.
