March 16, 1991, is a date forever etched in Reba McEntire’s heart. What began as an ordinary night turned into a nightmare when a plane carrying her band and crew crashed shortly after leaving San Diego. Reba had stayed behind at the hotel, feeling unwell — a twist of fate that saved her life but left her grieving.
The crash claimed the lives of:
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Jim Hammon (tour manager)
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Kirk Cappello and Joey Cigainero (keyboardists)
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Tony Saputo (drummer)
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Michael Thomas and Chris Austin (guitarists)
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Terry Jackson (bassist)
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Paula Kaye Evans (backup singer)
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Donald Holmes and Christopher Hollinger (pilots)
In the days that followed, Reba found herself surrounded by love from friends and fellow artists. Among them, Dolly Parton stood out for the way she stepped in with both heart and action. Dolly called Reba immediately, asking: “What do you need? Do you want my band?” Without hesitation, she sent her music director, Gary Smith, to help Reba put together a new band so she could continue performing when she was ready. Vince Gill also reached out, offering to sing and play by Reba’s side during those challenging first shows.
For Reba, the loss was more than professional — it was personal. Her band wasn’t just a team; they were family. And Dolly’s generosity reminded her that in country music, and in life, true friends lift you up when you need it most. Years later, when Reba and Dolly recorded Does He Love You? together, it wasn’t just a collaboration — it was a celebration of a friendship forged in both sorrow and strength.
