In 1991, country music superstar Reba McEntire faced an unimaginable tragedy when an airplane carrying her band members and tour manager crashed after a performance in San Diego, claiming their lives. The devastating incident left Reba deeply affected, as she and her husband Narvel Blackstock had been separated from the ill-fated flight.

Reba recounted the painful memory in a 2012 interview with Oprah Winfrey. The second plane they were on safely reached its destination, but the first plane, carrying their beloved friends, tragically crashed into Otay Mountain. Narvel broke the devastating news to Reba, leaving her in disbelief.

Reba leaned on the support of close friends like Vince Gill and Dolly Parton during this challenging time. Despite offers from other musicians to finish the tour, Reba chose to embark on a personal healing journey and poured her emotions into her album “For My Broken Heart,” a heartfelt tribute to her lost bandmates.

“For My Broken Heart” achieved tremendous success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and selling four million copies. Reba continues to honor the memory of those lost in the crash every year, using social media to ensure their legacy lives on. She even visited the crash site on the 25th anniversary, sharing her pilgrimage with her followers and expressing her condolences to all the affected families and friends.