Reba McEntire, a country music legend adored since the late 1970s, has faced profound personal heartbreak despite her immense success.

In 2022, Reba lost her beloved mother, Jacqueline, to cancer. The two shared a deep bond, and Jacqueline, who once dreamed of singing herself, nurtured Reba’s talent instead. Reba honored her mother’s memory, stating, “The cancer might think it won the battle, but we’re giving God the credit for choosing the time for her to go home.”

This loss came after a devastating tragedy in 1991 when a plane crash killed seven members of Reba’s band and her manager. The group had just performed in San Diego and was en route to their next concert when their plane crashed into Otay Mountain. Reba and her then-husband had stayed behind, narrowly avoiding the disaster.

Reba has continually honored her late band members. In a 2012 interview, she tearfully recounted learning of the crash, saying, “I don’t guess it ever quits hurting.” In 2020, she marked the anniversary of the crash, reflecting on how her mother’s passing aligned with the same date. “I know they’re all in Heaven together, watching over each other,” she shared.

Reba’s fans have always supported her through these losses, with one commenting, “Your music has brought joy despite the heartbreak you’ve endured.” Despite the years, Reba continues to pay tribute to her friends, saying their love of music gives her strength to move forward.