Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
In March 1991, eight members of McEntire’s band and crew tragically lost their lives in a plane crash following her concert in San Diego.
Reba McEntire is reflecting on the outpouring of support she received from fellow country stars following the 1991 plane crash that claimed the lives of eight members of her band and crew.
In a recent interview with Garden & Gun, the Grammy-winning singer recalled the tragedy, which occurred after her March 1991 concert in San Diego. McEntire, along with her stylist and then-husband/manager Narvel Blackstock, had planned to take a different flight the following day.
“It was really hard for me to get back onstage,” McEntire said. “But Vince Gill called and said, ‘Buddy, I’ll be there for you.’ Dolly Parton told me, ‘Here, take my band.’”
She added, “It was such a gift to see how many people stepped forward to help and provide reassurance, because so many of us had hearts that were broken.”
In March 2024, McEntire commemorated the 33rd anniversary of the crash with an Instagram tribute to the victims, quoting her song For My Broken Heart: “I guess the world ain’t gonna stop… for my broken heart.” She also listed those who died: Chris Austin, Kirk Cappello, Joey Cigainero, Paula Kaye Evans, Jim Hammon, Terry Jackson, Tony Saputo, and Michael Thomas. “33 years today since Heaven gained some great angels,” she wrote. “Rest in peace, my friends.”
McEntire had previously shared her reflections on the tragedy in a 2022 interview with PEOPLE, describing the emotional toll of learning about the deaths. “I didn’t know if I was going to be able to continue,” she said. “But it showed me how precious life is, and by the grace of God and my faith, I realized that they went on to a better place.”
She emphasized that she never blamed God for the tragedy, though she acknowledged that she has questions when she eventually reaches the afterlife. “From that I learned that you need to take it one day at a time and be very grateful for the things that you have,” she said. “Tell folks in your life how much you love and appreciate them.”
Eight months after the crash, McEntire released For My Broken Heart, dedicating the album to the victims. The record went on to become the best-selling album of her career.