Reba McEntire Opens Up About How Dolly Parton Helped Her Heal After 1991 Plane Crash Tragedy

| June 16, 2025 | General | No Comments

In one of the darkest chapters of her life, Reba found comfort, support, and strength from a fellow country music icon: Dolly Parton. 💔🎶

 A Night That Changed Everything

For fans of Reba McEntire, March 16, 1991, will forever mark a moment of heartbreak in country music history. At 2:00 AM, while resting in her hotel room after a performance in San Diego, Reba received the phone call no artist ever wants to hear.

A plane carrying her entire touring band and tour manager had crashed while en route to Fort Wayne, Indiana, just hours after a private show for IBM executives. In that single moment, Reba lost nine close colleagues and friends—people she considered family.

 The Lives Lost in the Crash

The tragic accident claimed the lives of:

  • Jim Hammon (Tour Manager)

  • Kirk Cappello & Joey Cigainero (Keyboardists)

  • Tony Saputo (Drummer)

  • Michael Thomas & Chris Austin (Guitarists)

  • Terry Jackson (Bassist)

  • Paula Kaye Evans (Backup Singer)

  • Donald Holmes & Christopher Hollinger (Pilots)

Reba herself was meant to be on the plane—but at the last moment, she chose to remain in San Diego due to feeling unwell. Her then-husband, Narvel Blackstock, and stylist Sandy Spika stayed with her, while the rest of the team traveled on two separate planes. One of them crashed.

 Honoring Their Memory

Later that year, Reba was awarded Top Female Vocalist at the ACM Awards, and in a deeply emotional moment, she dedicated her win to the bandmates she had lost. Her heartfelt speech touched millions and remains one of the most moving tributes in award show history.

 Dolly Parton’s Unforgettable Offer of Support

While Reba’s grief was immeasurable, she wasn’t alone. In a 2021 interview with Variety, Reba revealed something many fans had never heard before: Dolly Parton offered her full support in a way only a true friend could.

“She called and said, ‘What do you need? Do you want my band?’”
“She sent Gary Smith, her band leader, to help put a new band together for me.”

At a time when Reba was unsure if she could return to the stage, Dolly not only encouraged her but offered her own team to help her get back on her feet. Reba also mentioned that Vince Gill made a similar gesture, offering to perform and tour with her if needed.

 A Friendship Rooted in Music and Heart

In 2021, Reba and Dolly collaborated on a stunning new version of “Does He Love You?”, and their official music video captured the emotional depth of their connection. For fans, it was more than a duet—it was a testament to friendship, healing, and country music at its most sincere.

Reba has always been vocal about how much that gesture meant to her. The bond between an artist and their band is irreplaceable, and Dolly’s willingness to step in during such a painful time was no small act.

“They were both right there for me the whole time,” Reba said, her voice filled with gratitude.

 A Legacy of Love and Loyalty

Dolly Parton has long been admired not just for her talent, but for her compassion. Her support of Reba during this tragedy is a powerful reminder of how kindness and community define the best of country music.

And for Reba McEntire, that kindness helped her take the stage again—stronger, braver, and surrounded by the spirit of those she lost.

@varietymagazine Reba McEntire talks about collaborating with Dolly Parton. #PowerOfWomen ♬ original sound – Variety