Country music icon Reba McEntire has opened up in a powerful new interview about the most devastating night of her life — the 1991 plane crash that claimed the lives of eight members of her band and crew. In a moment of heartbreak that nearly ended her career, Reba found unexpected strength from someone she deeply admired: Dolly Parton.
A Night That Changed Everything
The tragedy unfolded on March 16, 1991, following a performance in San Diego. Reba, her then-husband Narvel Blackstock, and her stylist had decided to stay behind and travel the next day, while the rest of her team boarded private planes. One of those planes crashed shortly after takeoff, clipping the side of a mountain and killing all on board — six of Reba’s band members, her tour manager, and two pilots.
“We had three planes,” Reba recalled, holding back tears. “I was on one, half the band and crew were on another, and the third carried the rest. The plane that crashed took off first. The second followed three minutes later, unaware of what had just happened.”
The news reached Reba in the early hours of the morning. “It was such a shock, and it happened so fast,” she said. “You don’t know how to regroup — let alone imagine getting back on stage.”
A Community Rallies — and a Friend Steps In
In her darkest moment, Reba found comfort in the compassion of the country music world. Fellow artist Vince Gill reached out, offering to stand beside her on stage. But it was Dolly Parton who went even further — offering not just sympathy, but real, tangible help.
“Dolly called me personally and said, ‘You can take my band until you get back on your feet,’” Reba shared. “She sent her piano player, Billy Smith, to help me put together a new band. She didn’t just hold my hand — she held my spirit.”
That quiet act of kindness helped Reba find the strength to carry on. Later that year, she released For My Broken Heart — an album dedicated to the lives lost. “I couldn’t sing happy songs,” she admitted. “But every lyric became part of the healing.”
The record resonated deeply with fans and became one of the most successful albums of her career.
A Career Rebuilt — and a Life Renewed
Despite the immense grief, Reba continued to rise. Today, she is one of country music’s most enduring figures, with over 40 years in the spotlight and a fortune estimated at €82 million. Her legacy is one of resilience, heart, and authenticity.
Now 69, Reba has also found happiness in her personal life. She’s in a loving relationship with CSI: Miami actor Rex Linn, whom she first met back in 1991. The two reconnected in 2020 during the pandemic, sharing long phone calls and sending each other favorite foods across the country. “He’d send me pecan pies, Cajun dishes, even ice cream,” Reba said with a laugh. “It was the sweetest courtship.”
Reba and Dolly: A Bond That Endures
The friendship between Reba and Dolly has only deepened over the years. Their duet on “Does He Love You”, included in Reba’s three-part box set Revived Remixed Revisited, stands as a powerful reminder of their connection — and the quiet support Dolly once gave during Reba’s darkest days.
“She’s always been there,” Reba said. “Her grace, her strength — it changed everything for me.”
Looking Ahead
Raised on a cattle ranch in Oklahoma, Reba credits her upbringing for the perseverance that carried her through tragedy. “Daddy always said, ‘Do it now, not later,’ and that stuck with me,” she reflected.
She remains connected to her Irish fans as well, having performed in Ireland numerous times. “I love it there — the people, the energy, the memories. We’ve had wonderful times,” she shared, recalling a cherished family trip to Dublin for an Eagles concert.
A Legacy of Strength
Reba McEntire’s story is one of heartbreak, healing, and hope. Through unimaginable loss, she not only found her voice again — she helped redefine what it means to survive with grace. And in Dolly Parton’s quiet act of friendship, the world saw a powerful example of how women in music lift each other up — not just on stage, but when it matters most.
