Today, Reba McEntire is 68 years old, and she truly deserves all the praise she gets. It feels like she has been part of my life forever, and I still listen to her music several times a week.
However, Reba’s life hasn’t always been easy. This year marks the 32nd anniversary of a tragic plane crash that took the lives of several of her friends.
After breaking into country music in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Reba McEntire was named “best singer” for four years in a row by the Country Music Association. She also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
But despite her amazing career and success, Reba has faced many personal challenges. In 2022, her mother, Jacqueline, lost her battle with cancer at the age of 93.
“She had a wonderful, full, healthy life and was absolutely ready to go. The cancer might think it won the battle, but we’re giving God all the credit for choosing the time for her to go home,” the country star wrote on social media.
Jacqueline McEntire always dreamed of being a professional country singer, and she was the one who taught Reba to sing, fulfilling 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 truly understands what it means to face sorrow and loss.
Thirty-two years ago, on March 16, Reba McEntire lost seven of her band members and her tour manager in a tragic plane crash after a concert.
I remember that day in 1991. I was driving to work and heard about the crash on the radio. My heart skipped a beat when I thought Reba was also on the plane.
But she wasn’t.
Reba and her band had performed in San Diego on March 16, 1991, and were heading to Fort Wayne, Indiana, for 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 her manager stayed overnight in San Diego.
The first plane tragically crashed just ten miles east of the airport.
Over the years, Reba has often remembered her lost friends.
In a heartfelt interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2012, she talked about the day her band died.
“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 to meet with our pilot, and he told us what had happened. 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. I asked, ‘Are they OK?’ He said, ‘I don’t think so.’ I asked, ‘But you’re not sure?’ He said, ‘I don’t think so.’”
Reba had tears in her eyes as she remembered the details of the tragedy.
“Narvel was going room to room with a phone and calling…” she began, pausing as tears filled 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 have passed since the crash. Recently, she shared a photo of her band on Instagram to remember the tragic events of that day.
In 2020, she also paid 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 wrote.
“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 quickly offered their support to the country star. Many 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.
In 2023, Reba showed once again that she will never forget her friends and still mourns their tragic loss.
“Their love for music and the stage gives us all the strength to go on,” she wrote, sharing a video of the group performing together.
Kylie Jenner Is Criticized for Piercing Her Daughter’s Ears
Piercing a baby’s ears has always sparked debate, with people divided on its safety and ethics. While some see it as a harmless tradition or a personal choice, others worry about consent, health risks, and the child’s autonomy. The controversy flared up when celebrity influencer Kylie Jenner posted a photo of her daughter, Stormi Webster, with pierced ears. This picture led to widespread discussion and criticism, once again bringing attention to the ongoing debate about piercing babies’ ears.
Lots of babies around the world get their ears pierced, but it’s the earlobes of famous babies that get people talking online about whether it’s safe for little ones to wear jewelry. When her daughter Stormi Webster was five months old, Kylie shared a picture of her lying on a bed in a softly lit pink room. Followers noticed the tiny studs in Stormi’s ears, which were barely visible but still caught their attention.
Jenner is used to social media controversies, but the criticism about her young daughter and parenting skills is particularly harsh this time. Some strongly argue against piercing a baby’s ears, while others call Jenner “cruel” and “thoughtless.” “Is she going to start putting big earrings in her [ears] now [they’re] pierced? A [baby’s] ear is still forming and growing at that age,” one user wrote. “Piercing a babies ears!!!! @kyliejenner be ashamed of yourself. This is utterly disgraceful,” another follower commented.
Although getting a baby’s ears pierced is usually seen as safe, doctors warn about the risk of infections. Some suggest waiting until your baby is around 4 months old. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics doesn’t have a clear rule on when it’s best to pierce ears. They recommend waiting until a child can take care of the piercing themselves, but they don’t say no to piercing babies.
Kylie Jenner and her former partner Travis Scott gained notice for their unique parenting style. Travis revealed that they give their toddler Stormi a lot of independence. He mentioned they let Stormi choose her bedtime, deciding whether she wants to sleep at the usual time or stay up later. Stormi consistently chooses bedtime, which surprises many parents who appreciate her commitment to a good sleep routine.
Some parents think piercing their baby’s ears heals faster when they’re young. Others believe it’s important to respect their child’s autonomy and find piercing without consent unethical. Although tiny earrings might look cute, they can be dangerous for babies, causing injuries during play or even choking hazards.
Preview photo credit kyliejenner / Instagram
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