Reba McEntire remembers the day she lost her band in a horrific plane crash 32 years ago

Reba McEntire won the Country Music Association’s “best singer” award four times in a row following her breakthrough in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Naturally, she is also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

However, Reba has also had her fair share of personal traumas, so life has not always been easy for her, even with her amazing profession and wealth.

Reba’s mother Jacqueline, at 93 years old, lost her fight with illness in 2022.

She was completely prepared to pass away and had lived a lovely, long, and healthy life. The country music performer posted on social media, “The cancer may believe it has won the fight, but we’re giving God all the credit for choosing the time for her to go home to Him.”

Jacqueline McEntire’s desire of becoming a professional country singer was always realized when she taught Reba to sing, fulfilling her dream via her daughter.

We all know how much she loved us, and she left knowing how much love she had.Reba remarked, “We have so many amazing memories, but we’re going to miss her.

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Reba is well aware of the suffering associated with loss and grief.

Thirty-two years ago on March 16, she lost her tour manager in a horrific plane crash after a concert, along with seven other band members.

I recall that 1991 day. I heard about the crash on the radio as I was heading to work. I felt my heart skip a beat, thinking that Reba was on the plane too.

She wasn’t, though.

After playing in San Diego on March 16, 1991, Reba and her band were on their way to Fort Wayne, Indiana, for their next tour stop.

At the airport in San Diego, two flights were waiting; Reba, her husband, and manager spent the night in San Diego, while the band members and tour manager traveled on ahead.

Ten miles east of the airport, the first aircraft tragically met its demise.

Reba has frequently honored her deceased friends throughout the years.

She opened out about the day her band broke up in an emotional 2012 interview with Oprah Winfrey.

“Everyone on board was killed when the airplane’s tip struck a rock on the side of Otay Mountain,” McEntire said to Winfrey.

“Our pilot was contacted, and Narvel, Reba’s manager, went to meet with him to inform us of what had occurred. When Narvel returned to my hotel room at two or three in the morning, he informed me that one of the planes had crashed. I said, “Are they okay?” In his words, “I don’t think so.” “But you’re not sure?” I asked. I don’t think so, he said.

Reba remembered the events of the disaster, tears welling up in her eyes.

“Narvel was calling from room to room while holding a phone,” she started, stopping when tears welled up in her eyes. “I apologize, but even after 20 years, it seems like it will never stop hurting,” she remarked. But that chamber is visible to me. Narvel is moving back and forth, as I can see.

It’s been 32 years since the crash. She recently recalled the terrible events of that day by sharing a picture of her band on Instagram.

She shared another homage to her friends in 2020.

“I lost my pals in a plane tragedy 29 years ago today. It seems fitting that Mama passed away on that anniversary,” she writes.

“I am aware that they are all together in Heaven, looking out for one another. Let’s continue to look out for one another while we’re still on this planet and never take a moment for granted to spend with our loved ones.

Soon after, Reba’s admirers rallied behind the country music icon.

Many folks sent prayers and good vibes.

“Reba I’ve always admired your music, our mutual love of horses, and now that I follow you on Instagram.May God bless you and your mother. A fan wrote.

Reba showed once more this year, in 2023, that she still grieves the terrible loss of her pals and that she will never forget them.

She posted a video of the group performing together along with the message, “Their love for music and the stage gives us all the strength to go on.”

I apologize, Reba. You are an amazing woman; stay strong. You make so many people happy that there is a reason God has preserved you on this planet. Keep grinning!

New 1673

My Dad Replaced My Mom with My Best Friend – I Made Him Taste His Own Medicine

When Hannah’s Dad waltzed into her birthday party with her best friend on his arm, she was determined to make him pay. Little did he know Hannah’s plan would unexpectedly turn the tables at her graduation party.

Serious woman and birthday cake | Source: Midjourney

Serious woman and birthday cake | Source: Midjourney

“Happy birthday, kiddo,” Dad said, but his words barely registered.

The room was full of balloons and banners, but everything started feeling suddenly wrong.

“What’s the fuss?” he asked, noticing people staring.

I couldn’t believe it was happening. Dad had walked into my 25th birthday party with my best friend, Jessica, as his plus one.

Older man with young woman | Source: Midjourney

Older man with young woman | Source: Midjourney

“What is Jess doing with you?” I asked as soon as I recovered from the shock.

“What do you mean?” he chuckled. “We’re together, in love!”

“Are you serious? Mom is here, and everyone is watching us!”

He shrugged. “So what? I don’t care what she or anyone else feels; it’s her problem. This is MY LIFE. I want to have fun.”

Couple looking into each other's eyes | Source: Midjourney

Couple looking into each other’s eyes | Source: Midjourney

I glanced at Mom, standing alone with tears streaming down her face. She just turned and went inside, and I couldn’t stand that.

“If I knew you would do something like this, I would’ve never invited you!” I snapped, turning to Dad. “And you, Jess, how could you do this? You were my best friend!”

“I’m sorry, Hannah. But it sounds like a YOU problem if you can’t accept this.”

I was shocked.

“Leave!” I said. “Just get out! Both of you!”

Smug-looking woman | Source: Midjourney

Smug-looking woman | Source: Midjourney

“Hey, Hannah, you’re overreacting,” Dad scoffed. “It’s not like your Mom and I are together, and I brought someone new into our lives.”

“No, I’m not overreacting, Dad, and I don’t want to talk about this. You need to leave. This party is for me and Mom. And this is Mom’s house.”

“Fine, we’ll go.”

I watched as Dad walked out, and then I returned to Mom and hugged her tightly. “Mom, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know they’d—”

“It’s okay, sweetie. Thank you,” was all she said.

Sad woman among party guests | Source: Midjourney

Sad woman among party guests | Source: Midjourney

It was hard for me to believe what had happened, but all I cared about was the faces of the other guests staring at my mom in pity and disbelief. I hated the way they were looking at Mom as if she were some helpless woman.

A week passed.

One Sunday morning, Mom and I sat on the couch in her cozy living room, sipping tea.

Two cups of tea | Source: Midjourney

Two cups of tea | Source: Midjourney

I loved our little sessions where it was just the two of us. Usually, we’d bake one of Grandma’s recipes, but looking at Mom’s face, I knew she was still not over what had happened.

Dad and Mom had divorced only recently, and I know Mom still missed him. So, what happened on my birthday still bothered her.

“I’m really looking forward to graduation next month, Mom,” I said, trying to lift the mood. “It’s a big milestone for me.”

Woman wearing graduation hat | Source: Midjourney

Woman wearing graduation hat | Source: Midjourney

“Oh, I’m so proud of you, Hannah,” Mom smiled, her eyes shining with pride. “You’ve worked so hard for this day.

“It’s just that… seeing Jessica with your father was hard,” she suddenly said, sighing sadly. “She’ll be graduating too, right?”

I reached over and took her hand, squeezing it gently.

“Yes, Mom. It was terrible. But you’re stronger than this. You deserve better.”

Sad elderly woman | Source: Midjourney

Sad elderly woman | Source: Midjourney

Mom looked at me, tears welling up in her eyes. “It’s just so hard, Hannah. I never expected this from Jessica. She-she was like a daughter, and now this…imagining them in bed…”

Mom broke down into tears, and I raced to her side to hug her.

“Your dad…” she sniffled. “What did he tell me when he was leaving? You’re too old, Caroline. You don’t excite me anymore. Oh, Hannah, how could he do this?”

Young woman consoling an older woman | Source: Midjourney

Young woman consoling an older woman | Source: Midjourney

Mom wept into my shoulders, and I can’t tell you how it broke my heart.

“I didn’t either, Mom,” I said, trying my best to console her. “But we won’t let them hurt us anymore. You’re not alone in this. We’ll get through it together, okay?”

Mom was very disturbed after what happened at my birthday party, and I had a plan to set things right. It’s just that I couldn’t tell Mom about it right then.

Devastated elderly woman | Source: Midjourney

Devastated elderly woman | Source: Midjourney

The following Thursday morning, I walked into the cozy café near the university, bustling with students and professionals.

The smell of coffee and chatter filled the air.

I spotted Tom at a corner table and waved.

Inside a cafe | Source: Midjourney

Inside a cafe | Source: Midjourney

I remembered Tom from when I was young. He was one of Dad’s colleagues, always nice and kind. He used to visit us often, but then we moved across town, and those visits stopped. Seeing his familiar face brought back memories.

“Hi, Tom,” I said as I sat down. “It’s good to see you.”

“Wow, Hannah! You’ve grown up!” he chuckled. “It’s good to see you too. How are things?” he asked.

Young woman talking to older man at cafe | Source: Midjourney

Young woman talking to older man at cafe | Source: Midjourney

“Busy, but exciting. Graduation is just around the corner,” I replied.

A week ago, when I contacted Tom on Facebook, I wasn’t very hopeful he would reply. But somehow, his name was the first to pop into my head, and I just gave it a try.

Luckily, he replied.

“By the way, I thought about your idea,” he said as I sipped my coffee. “I’m okay with that. Will your Mom agree?”

Woman drinking coffee | Source: Midjourney

Woman drinking coffee | Source: Midjourney

“She will. Thanks. I appreciate all your help,” I said sincerely.

“You’re welcome, Hannah. Your mom deserves better, and so do you,” he replied.

We chatted about various things, recalling some sweet memories of when I was a little girl and Tom used to get me princess dolls. He was just the sweetest man from my childhood, and I had a brilliant plan brewing at the back of my mind.

A cute girl | Source: Midjourney

A cute girl | Source: Midjourney

I didn’t realize how time flew by and the graduation day arrived.

I stood in Mom’s bedroom, surrounded by elegant dresses and makeup.

Mom held up a beautiful dress, and I nodded approvingly.

“I can’t believe my baby is graduating,” she said, zipping up my dress. “You look stunning, Hannah.”

Older woman helping younger woman get ready | Source: Midjourney

Older woman helping younger woman get ready | Source: Midjourney

“Thanks, Mom. You look amazing, too. Tonight’s going to be special,” I replied, smiling.

Mom had put on a shimmering navy blue dress that hugged her figure gracefully. Her hair was styled in soft waves, and she wore delicate silver jewelry that complemented her look perfectly.

“I hope your dad behaves himself tonight,” she said, wearing her earrings.

Gorgeous older woman | Source: Midjourney

Gorgeous older woman | Source: Midjourney

“Don’t worry about him, Mom. Just focus on having a good time. Everything will be fine,” I assured her.

Mom smiled, but I could see the worry in her eyes.

I squeezed her hand. “Really, Mom. Enjoy tonight. You deserve it. I’m so happy for you.”

“I will, sweetie. Thank you,” she said, giving me a warm hug.

Mother and daughter hugging | Source: Midjourney

Mother and daughter hugging | Source: Midjourney

I looked in the mirror, adjusting my dress and makeup. “Now, I gotta leave. See you soon,” I said, grabbing my bag.

“Alright, Hannah. See you there,” Mom replied, giving me a quick kiss.

As I left the house, I took a deep breath. The plan was set, and I felt ready. I knew tonight had to be perfect, not just for me but for Mom, too. This was our night, and I wouldn’t let anything ruin it.

Woman in graduation attire standing with other graduates | Source: Midjourney

Woman in graduation attire standing with other graduates | Source: Midjourney

When I arrived at the graduation hall, I took one last look in the mirror and straightened my cap and gown.

The room buzzed with excitement as graduates and their families filled the seats.

I scanned the crowd and spotted Dad arriving with Jessica. They looked confident, but I knew that would change soon.

Young girl in graduation attire posing with older man | Source: Midjourney

Young girl in graduation attire posing with older man | Source: Midjourney

About 15 minutes later, Mom entered the auditorium with Tom. She looked stunning, and Tom looked dapper in a suit.

Seeing them together made me smile. They waved at me, and I waved back.

I could see shock clouding Dad and Jessica’s faces when they saw Mom happy with a guy about five years younger than her!

“Thanks for making it, Tom. Mom, you look gorgeous!” I said, hugging her.

Good-looking couple | Source: Midjourney

Good-looking couple | Source: Midjourney

It was then Dad’s voice cut through.

“Tom? What are you doing here?”

We turned to see him with Jessica behind him.

Tom put an arm around Mom. “Supporting a dear friend and her daughter,” he said.

Happy couple | Source: Midjourney

Happy couple | Source: Midjourney

“Didn’t you mention he was your colleague? How did this happen?” I heard Jessica whispering to Dad, and I couldn’t help but smile because my plan was successful.

“Well, Mom and Tom have been catching up lately. They realized they have a lot in common,” I said, grinning.

Dad looked flustered. “I see,” he said. “Well, it’s… nice to see you, Tom.”

Serious-looking man | Source: Midjourney

Serious-looking man | Source: Midjourney

Tom smirked slightly. “Nice to see you too, Robert. Life takes interesting turns, doesn’t it?”

As the evening went on, Mom and Tom looked genuinely happy together. They laughed and danced, looking like a perfect couple. Jessica tried to keep up appearances, but her discomfort was evident.

Dad couldn’t hide his frustration either. His eyes kept darting towards Mom and Tom, and I could see the wheels turning in his head.

Couple looking happy together | Source: Midjourney

Couple looking happy together | Source: Midjourney

Before leaving, Mom hugged me tightly. “Thank you for everything, sweetheart. I’m so proud of you.”

“I’m proud of you too, Mom,” I said, smiling. “You deserve all the happiness in the world.”

As I watched Mom walk away with Tom, I knew Dad regretted his choices. He realized too late that he had lost the best thing in his life. I also saw he pushed Jess away when she asked him for a dance, and I laughed.

My plan to show Dad that Mom could be happy without him worked perfectly. Mom and Tom fell in love and are now together. I couldn’t be happier for her.

A happy family | Source: Midjourney

A happy family | Source: Midjourney

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