This year marks the 32nd anniversary of the tragic plane crash that altered the course of Reba McEntire and her musical family’s lives forever.
On March 16, 1991, a sad accident claimed the lives of eight of the famous singer’s bandmates and crew members, all of whom were skilled musicians and dear friends.
McEntire took to social media to express her gratitude to the people who had left such an everlasting influence on the music business.
While flying from San Diego to Indiana, the plane had a catastrophic accident when one of its wings collided with a boulder atop Otay Mountain.
While the rest of the company went on an expedition, Reba stayed in the hotel with her husband Narvel and stylist because she was feeling under the weather at the time.
Along with Paula Kaye Evans and Terry Jackson, tour members Chris Austin, Joey Cigainero, and Jim Hammon, the tour manager, also passed away.
“Their passion for music and their incredible stage presence continue to inspire us all,” McEntire said in a tribute video posted to Instagram.
This presentation features a recording of the ensemble performing, serving as a moving tribute to their skill and unity.
Reba keeps the band’s memory alive by bringing up the subject at least once a year.
She spoke with Oprah Winfrey about the incident and its immediate aftermath in a 2012 interview. “When we received the notification, Narvel went to meet our pilot, who revealed the devastating news,” she recalled the tense time.
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.Are they all right, I inquired. ‘I don’t think so,’ he retorted.
Then I persisted, “But you’re not sure?” He said gently, “I don’t think so.”May we never forget the imprint these amazing individuals left on Reba McEntire’s career and music history as we honor their lives.
