It was a fateful day 32 years ago when a devastating plane crash forever altered the lives of Reba McEntire and her musical family. This year marks the anniversary of the tragic event that took place on March 16, 1991. On that day, eight of Reba’s bandmates and crew members, all accomplished musicians and dear friends, tragically lost their lives. They were on a flight from San Diego to Indiana when the plane’s wing collided with a boulder atop Otay Mountain. While the rest of the group went on an excursion, Reba chose to stay at the hotel with her husband Narvel and stylist as she was feeling unwell.
Little did she know that this decision would spare her from the unimaginable tragedy that awaited them. Reba McEntire, using social media, expressed her gratitude to the individuals who had such a profound impact on the music industry. In a tribute video posted on Instagram, she shared, “Their passion for music and their incredible stage presence continue to inspire us all.”
The video features a heartfelt performance recording of the group, serving as an emotional tribute to their exceptional talent and unity. Year after year, Reba ensures that the memory of her bandmates lives on. She never fails to bring up the subject at least once a year, keeping their legacy alive. In a 2012 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Reba opened up about the incident and its aftermath.
She vividly remembers the moment the devastating news reached her hotel room. Narvel, her husband, went to meet the pilot, returning in the early hours of the morning with heart-wrenching news. “When we received the notification, Narvel went to meet our pilot, who revealed the devastating news.
Narvel came back to our hotel room in the wee hours of the morning with the tragic news that one of the planes had crashed. I asked, ‘Are they okay?’ To which he replied, ‘I don’t think so.’ I pressed further, ‘But you’re not sure?’ And he softly said, ‘I don’t think so.’” Let us never forget the indelible mark these extraordinary individuals left on Reba McEntire’s career and music history. As we honor their lives, let’s share this story with our family and friends to keep their memory alive.
