Today, the incredible Reba McEntire turns 68, and she deserves every bit of love and admiration. For so many of us, she’s been a constant presence, and I still find myself listening to her multiple times a week.

However, Reba’s journey hasn’t always been smooth. This year also marks the somber 32nd anniversary of a devastating plane crash that tragically took the lives of several of her dear friends.

Despite her incredible career and numerous achievements, Reba McEntire has faced her share of personal hardships. In 2022, she experienced a profound loss when her mother, Jacqueline, passed away at the age of 93 after a battle with cancer.

“She lived a wonderful, full, and healthy life, and she was completely ready to go,” Reba shared on social media. “Cancer may think it won, but we’re giving God all the credit for choosing the moment for her to go home to Him.”

Jacqueline McEntire always held the dream of being a professional country singer and it was she who taught Reba to sing – thus realizing her ambitions 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 certainly knows what it is to endure sorrow and loss.

32 years ago, in on March 16, she lost seven of her band members and her tour manager, who died in a tragic 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 also in the plane.

But she wasn’t.

Reba and her band had performed in San Diego on March 16, 1991, and was heading to Fort Wayne, Ind., to perform their next concert on the tour.

Two planes were waiting at the airport in San Diego – the band members and tour manager flew on ahead while Reba, her husband and manager stayed overnight in San Diego.

The first aircraft tragically met with disaster just ten miles east of the airport.

Over the years, Reba has often paid tribute to her lost friends.

In an emotional interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2012, she spoked out about the day her band perished.

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

“When we were notified, Narvel (Reba’s manager) went and met with our pilot, and he told us what had happened. And 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, and I said, ‘Are they OK?’ 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 recalled the details of the tragedy.

“Narvel was going room to room with a phone and calling …” she began, pausing as tears came to 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 has passed since the crash. Recently, she posted a photo of her band on Instagram recalling the day’s tragic events from 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 writes.

“I know they’re all in Heaven together and taking care of each other. Let’s keep finding ways to take care of each other down here on earth and never take one moment with our loved ones for granted.”

Reba’s fans stepped up immediately and sent their support to 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.

This year, in 2023, Reba once again demonstrated that she will never forget her friends and that she still mourns 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!