Reba McEntire honors late band members in heartbreaking tribute – asks for prayers
Reba McEntire stands as an iconic figure in country music. Since her debut in the 1970s, her heartfelt performances have won the hearts of countless fans.
The singer has been through two marriages and is the proud mother of her son, Shelby. Find out more about their bond here.
Yet, despite her impressive career and captivating charisma, Reba has had her share of tragic moments.
In 2022, Reba mourned the loss of Jacqueline, her mother, to cancer. They shared a deep and caring bond, something Reba cherished deeply. “She lived a beautiful, full, and healthy life, gracefully accepting her time to join the Lord. We may credit cancer with the final act, but it was God who chose her perfect time to leave,” she expressed on her social platforms.
Jacqueline harbored her own dreams of a singing career which didn’t materialize, but she passed her love for music and performance on to Reba. “She was aware of just how loved she was, and we are all mindful of the tremendous love she had for us. We’ll miss her dearly, but the cherished memories we have will forever bring joy,” Reba reflected.
Unfortunately, Reba is no stranger to loss. Thirty-two years prior, on March 16th, she faced the devastating loss of seven band members and her tour manager in a plane collision.
The tragic event unfolded after a concert in San Diego, with the group en route to their next show in Fort Wayne. Reba, who stayed behind with her then-husband in San Diego, learned the next morning that the band’s plane crashed just after takeoff.
Reba continually honors the memory of her lost friends, and during a televised sit-down with Oprah in 2012, she opened up about that sorrowful period. Discussing the crash, she recounted the heartbreaking moments as they unfolded, “When Narvel (Reba’s then-manager and husband) explained the plane had crashed, I asked if our friends were okay. The uncertainty of his ‘I don’t think so’ has haunted me. The image of him pacing with the phone… it never leaves, nor does the pain, even after twenty years,” she shared visibily shaken.
The remembrance brought on a flood of emotions for Reba.
Struggling to keep composed, Reba described, “As Narvel went from room to room, trying to reach out with updates… I’m sorry, but the hurt just doesn’t fade away. The details are as vivid as if it happened yesterday. Tears won’t stop coming,” she expressed.
The two-year anniversary of the plane crash coincided with her mother’s passing. Reba found solace in believing they were reunited in Heaven. Her emotional tribute on social media touched many hearts, as she emphasized, “They’re watching over us, and because of their passion for their craft, we too find strength to carry on.”
“Let’s emulate their camaraderie by caring for one another here, cherishing every moment with those we love,” she urged.
Reba’s fans rallied around her, offering words of comfort and prayer online.
This year, once again, Reba remembered her departed loved ones with a touching video. Her ongoing tributes and her call to extend love and care are a testament to the enduring bond she shares with those she’s lost.
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