After Devastating Loss, Reba McEntire’s Story Is Inspiring Fans More Than Ever

Over the past three decades, Reba McEntire has navigated tragedies that could have derailed almost anybody. She lost eight beloved members of her team in a devastating plane crash, watched her 26-year marriage come to an end, and faced some of the most challenging moments of her life in the public eye.

Yet, at 71, McEntire remains one of country music’s most beloved stars. She has a hit television show, a devoted fan base, and a new chapter of happiness with her fiancé, Rex Linn.

McEntire, 71, has had over 100 songs hit the Billboard Hot Country Songs list in her career. She had her first No. 1 hit in 1982 with “Can’t Even Get the Blues,” and hasn’t stopped thrilling fans since.

The singer’s success has not come without significant difficulties, though. In 1991, a plane crash killed eight close colleagues. Seven band members and McEntire’s tour manager were on a plane that crashed just moments after leaving San Diego after a private concert.

After the tragedy, McEntire canceled the rest of her tour. She also dedicated her next album, For My Broken Heart, to the beloved band members who died.

On Facebook, one fan recently recalled attending the next performance by McEntire after the crash. “It was so obvious she was heartbroken,” they wrote.

The fan added, “The admiration I had always had for her increased even more after that evening. She is still, and always will be my favorite female country artist.”

Since that 1991 plane crash, McEntire has persevered and released more hit albums as well as headlined two hit comedy television shows. Reba aired original episodes from 2001 to 2007, and is still popular in syndication. Happy’s Place currently airs on NBC, with Season 3 on the way.

McEntire also found love again after ending her 26-year marriage to Blackstock in 2015. She is now engaged to Rex Linn, who co-stars with her on Happy’s Place.

“Reba is an inspiration to me. I just lost my husband of 35 years and am now 66 years old. When I see that she is getting married to Rex Linn, who is 69 years old, it gives me hope that I may not be alone for the rest of my life,” a fan recently noted on Facebook.

“Love it. Reba McEntire is showing everyone SHE ain’t done yet,” a fan recently said on Facebook after learning of the singer’s latest single.

“She came out of that better than ever,” read another Facebook comment about McEntire’s divorce from Blackstock.

Through tragedy, loss, and major life changes, McEntire never stopped moving forward. Decades after the plane crash that claimed eight treasured members of her music family, and a decade after the end of her 26-year marriage, McEntire continues to show fans that life’s most difficult seasons in life can lead to joy. She has shown a level of resilience that inspires fans and shows them it is possible to rebuild and find joy again after heartbreak.