Reba McEntire, the beloved country superstar, has faced unimaginable loss and grief. In 1991, tragedy struck when a plane carrying McEntire’s tour manager and seven other band members crashed, leaving a profound impact on her life.
It was March 16, 1991, when McEntire and her band had just finished a private concert in San Diego. Two planes were waiting at the airport to transport the band to their next destination. While McEntire, her husband Narvel Blackstock, and her stylist Sandi Spika stayed behind for the night, the rest of the band members and tour manager embarked on the ill-fated flight.
In a heartfelt interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2012, McEntire recounted the tragedy that unfolded. The first plane crashed just ten miles east of the airport, colliding with a boulder on Otay Mountain, taking the lives of everyone on board. The second plane, fortunately, reached its destination unharmed.
McEntire tearfully shared that Narvel had gone to meet with the pilot, and in the early hours of the morning, he returned to their hotel room with devastating news. “One of the planes crashed,” he told her. Eagerly, she inquired about the people on board. “Are they okay?” she asked, to which Narvel could only respond, “I don’t think so.”
As the news spread, McEntire and Narvel desperately sought information about the catastrophe. The pain of that moment still lingers, evident in the tears that filled McEntire’s eyes as she remembered those restless hours of uncertainty. She recalled Narvel moving tirelessly from room to room, making phone calls in search of answers.
Turning down offers from supportive friends like Dolly Parton and Vince Gill, McEntire chose to honor her bandmates and tour manager by releasing an album dedicated to them. “For My Broken Heart” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and went on to sell four million copies.
Every year on the anniversary of the accident, McEntire pays tribute to those she lost. In 2014, she used Instagram to commemorate the crash, and in 2016, she made a special trip to San Diego to share her experience with her online followers.
Today, as we remember the anniversary of this tragic event, McEntire’s heart still aches for her fallen bandmates. Just last year, she returned to San Diego and visited the crash site as a testament to the love and prayers she holds for all the families and friends affected by the loss.
Through her journey of loss and faith, Reba McEntire stands as a beacon of strength and resilience. Her music continues to touch the hearts of millions, reminding us all to cherish the moments we have with our loved ones.
