Today, Reba McEntire is 68 years old, and she truly deserves all the praise she gets. It feels like she has been part of my life forever, and I still listen to her music several times a week.
However, Reba’s life hasn’t always been easy. This year marks the 32nd anniversary of a tragic plane crash that took the lives of several of her friends.
After breaking into country music in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Reba McEntire was named “best singer” for four years in a row by the Country Music Association. She also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
But despite her amazing career and success, Reba has faced many personal challenges. In 2022, her mother, Jacqueline, lost her battle with cancer at the age of 93.
“She had a wonderful, full, healthy life and was absolutely ready to go. The cancer might think it won the battle, but we’re giving God all the credit for choosing the time for her to go home,” the country star wrote on social media.
Jacqueline McEntire always dreamed of being a professional country singer, and she was the one who taught Reba to sing, fulfilling her ambitions through her daughter.
“She left knowing how much she is loved, and we all know how much she loved us. We’re all going to miss her, but we have so many wonderful memories,” Reba said.
Reba truly understands what it means to face sorrow and loss.
Thirty-two years ago, on March 16, Reba McEntire lost seven of her band members and her tour manager in a tragic plane crash after a concert.
I remember that day in 1991. I was driving to work and heard about the crash on the radio. My heart skipped a beat when I thought Reba was also on the plane.
But she wasn’t.
Reba and her band had performed in San Diego on March 16, 1991, and were heading to Fort Wayne, Indiana, for their next concert on the tour.
Two planes were waiting at the airport in San Diego. The band members and tour manager flew on ahead while Reba, her husband, and her manager stayed overnight in San Diego.
The first plane tragically crashed just ten miles east of the airport.
Over the years, Reba has often remembered her lost friends.
In a heartfelt interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2012, she talked about the day her band died.
“The tip of the wing of the airplane hit a rock on the side of Otay Mountain, and it killed everyone on the plane,” McEntire told Winfrey.
“When we were notified, Narvel (Reba’s manager) went to meet with our pilot, and he told us what had happened. Narvel came back to the hotel room where I was — it was two or three o’clock in the morning — and he said one of the planes had crashed. I asked, ‘Are they OK?’ He said, ‘I don’t think so.’ I asked, ‘But you’re not sure?’ He said, ‘I don’t think so.’”
Reba had tears in her eyes as she remembered the details of the tragedy.
“Narvel was going room to room with a phone and calling…” she began, pausing as tears filled her eyes. “I’m sorry — it’s been 20 years, but it’s just like — I don’t guess it ever quits hurting,” she said. “But I can see that room. I can see Narvel walking back and forth.”
Now, 32 years have passed since the crash. Recently, she shared a photo of her band on Instagram to remember the tragic events of that day.
In 2020, she also paid tribute to her friends.
“29 years ago today, I lost my friends in a plane crash. The timing of Mama’s passing with that anniversary seems appropriate,” she wrote.
“I know they’re all in Heaven together and taking care of each other. Let’s keep finding ways to take care of each other down here on earth and never take one moment with our loved ones for granted.”
Reba’s fans quickly offered their support to the country star. Many sent positive thoughts and prayers.
“Reba, I’ve always loved your music, our shared horse background, and now following you on Insta. Prayers for you and your mother,” one fan wrote.
In 2023, Reba showed once again that she will never forget her friends and still mourns their tragic loss.
“Their love for music and the stage gives us all the strength to go on,” she wrote, sharing a video of the group performing together.
Remembering the Charm of Dolly Pegs
Ah, the memories of days gone by. Do you recall those lovable wooden dolls that used to adorn your grandma’s clothesline? They were called dolly pegs, and they possessed a certain allure that is difficult to resist. In this article, let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore why these petite wooden companions still hold a special place in our hearts, even in the 21st century.
Dolly pegs are the adorable wooden clothespins that resembled miniature people. They had a head, a body, and a pair of tiny wooden arms. However, they were more than just laundry accessories in their time – they were a form of do-it-yourself art and a wellspring of boundless creativity.
Do you ever find yourself reminiscing about the good old days? Well, that is precisely why we are discussing dolly pegs now. These wooden dolls harken back to sunny afternoons spent playing in the backyard and helping out with chores. Remember giving them amusing names and creating epic adventures? Those were truly wonderful times, weren’t they?
One of the most fantastic aspects of dolly pegs is their versatility. You do not need to possess extraordinary crafting skills to transform them into something extraordinary. With some paint, fabric, and a dash of imagination, you can fashion personalized ornaments, fridge magnets, or even little companions for your desk. It is a marvelous way to stimulate your creative spirit without straining your wallet.
In a world brimming with flashy gadgets, it is refreshing to encounter something simple yet captivating. Dolly pegs offer a breath of fresh air for children. They provide a marvelous DIY project that fosters fine motor skills and encourages imaginative play. Furthermore, it presents an opportunity for them to disconnect from screens and allow their creativity to roam free.
But dolly pegs are not solely for the little ones – they can also infuse warmth into your home decor. Picture a delightful row of peg people hanging from a string, brightening your day each time you pass them by. It is a modest yet effective way to infuse your living space with character and charm.
So there you have it – the humble dolly pegs are reclaiming their place in the most delightful manner. They may be unpretentious, but their ability to trigger memories, ignite creativity, and evoke a sense of nostalgia is truly remarkable. So, why not dust off those old wooden pegs and embark on a journey of do-it-yourself delight? Sometimes, it is the simplest things in life that bring us the greatest joy.
Leave a Reply