Reba McEntire thinks back to the day, 32 years ago, when she lost her band in a really terrible plane crash.

Today, the amazing Reba McEntire is 68 years old, and she really deserves lots of praise. Personally, it feels like she’s been a part of my life forever, and I still listen to her music several times a week.

But everything hasn’t been easy in Reba’s life – this year is the 32nd anniversary of a plane crash that took the lives of many of her friends.

After becoming a big deal in country music in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Reba McEntire was named the “best singer” by the Country Music Association for four years in a row. She also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

But even with her awesome career and success, life has been tough for Reba. She’s had some personal tragedies too.

In 2022, Reba’s mom Jacqueline passed away at 93 after fighting cancer. Reba shared on social media, “She had a wonderful, full, healthy life and was absolutely ready to go. The cancer might think it won, but we give God all the credit for choosing the time for her to go home to Him.”

Jacqueline McEntire always dreamed of being a professional country singer. She taught Reba to sing, helping her achieve those dreams 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 has experienced sadness and loss and understands those feelings well.

32 years ago, on March 16, something really sad happened. Reba McEntire lost seven members of her band and her tour manager in a terrible plane crash after a concert.

I remember that day in 1991. I was driving to work, and I heard about the crash on the radio. My heart skipped a beat when I thought Reba was on the plane.

But she wasn’t.

Reba and her band had performed in San Diego on March 16, 1991, and were going to Fort Wayne, Ind., for the next concert on the tour.

Two planes were at the airport in San Diego – the band members and tour manager took one plane, while Reba, her husband, and manager stayed overnight in San Diego.

Sadly, the first plane had a terrible accident just ten miles east of the airport.

Over the years, Reba has often remembered and honored her lost friends.

In a heartfelt talk with Oprah Winfrey in 2012, she shared about the day her band members passed away.

“The tip of the airplane wing hit a rock on the side of Otay Mountain, and it killed everyone on the plane,” Reba told Winfrey.

“When we found out, Narvel (Reba’s manager) talked to 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 okay?’ He said, ‘I don’t think so.’ I said, ‘But you’re not sure?’ He said, ‘I don’t think so.'”

Reba had tears in her eyes as she remembered the sad details of the tragedy.

“Narvel was going room to room with a phone and calling…” she began, stopping 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, remembering the tragic events of that day.

In 2020, she posted another 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 believe they’re all in Heaven, looking out for each other. Let’s keep finding ways to take care of each other here on earth and never take a moment with our loved ones for granted.”

Reba’s fans quickly showed their support for the country star.

Many people 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 once again showed that she will never forget her friends and still feels the sadness of their tragic loss.

Their love for music and the stage gives us all the strength to go on,” she wrote and shared a video of the group performing together.

So sorry Reba. Stay strong, you fantastic woman. God kept you here on earth for a reason you make so many people happy. Keep smiling!