Reba McEntire Reflects on Past Trauma

Reba McEntire is opening up about a profoundly traumatic experience from her life. In a recent chat, the 70-year-old singer recounted the tragic 1991 plane crash that claimed the lives of eight of her band members and how support from friends aided her healing process.

“Getting back on stage was really tough,” she shared. “But Vince Gill reached out and said, ‘Buddy, I’m going to be there for you.’ Dolly Parton even offered, ‘Here, take my band.’ It was heartwarming to see so many people rushing to help and comfort us during such a difficult time.”

At the time of the crash, McEntire was set to leave San Diego the following morning; she wasn’t on the plane that went down shortly after takeoff.

The accident resulted in the tragic loss of her tour manager, Jim Hammon, and several other dedicated musicians, including keyboardist Kirk Capello and drummer Tony Saputo. The devastating event marked a turning point for McEntire, who, in October 2022, reflected, “I wasn’t sure if I could continue. But the experience taught me how precious life is, and that they moved on to a better place, guided by faith.”

In the aftermath, she dedicated an album titled “For My Broken Heart” to honor those she lost. Released around eight months after the crash, it features notable songs like “Is There Life Out There” and “The Greatest Man I Never Knew.”

Interestingly, 1991 was also the year McEntire met Rex Lynn, her fiancé. They didn’t start dating until 2020 when she appeared on his show, *Young Sheldon*.

“We couldn’t see each other from January until June 16th because of COVID,” she recalled. “But through texting and phone calls, we built a closeness that, honestly, I think was deeper than if we had been together the whole time. It allowed us to get to know each other in a meaningful way.”

Their engagement was confirmed publicly during an interview ahead of the 2025 Golden Globes, a moment that felt significant for both of them.

In conversation with a news outlet in May 2025, McEntire expressed how well they connected. “We really clicked in every way,” she said.

Adding a lighter note, she mentioned, “Rex is a better cook than I am, and that’s quite a plus. We share a love for the cowboy lifestyle and both have careers in the entertainment field. It just feels like the perfect match for us.” Despite the occasional argument, she also emphasized their strong bond, noting that they truly enjoy each other’s company.