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.
The Fascinating World of Toy Clackers: Discovering the Fun Behind the Toy
Have you ever seen a toy that made you stop and wonder what it was? You’re not the only one! There’s one toy that left a lot of people confused – Toy Clackers. Even today, most people, about ninety percent, don’t know what they are. So, let’s explore the interesting world of Toy Clackers and figure it out together!
A Blast from the Past
In the fun 1970s, Toy Clackers (also called Klik-Klaks) were super popular. These old-school toys are still loved by collectors who enjoy the memories of simpler times. But what are Toy Clackers, exactly? Imagine this: two plastic balls connected by a string. When you swing them, they hit each other and make a cool “clacking” sound. It’s a unique and fun experience!
The Birth of Toy Clackers
It’s hard to believe, but Toy Clackers were invented in 1969 by Wham-O, the same company that gave us famous toys like the Hula Hoop, Frisbee, and Superball. Toy Clackers became super popular fast, and in just the first year, Wham-O sold over 10 million of them. These toys were everywhere, catching the attention of both kids and adults. They were a huge hit!
Safety Concerns and Controversy
With their big popularity came big problems—safety concerns. Unfortunately, Toy Clackers were banned in many places because of accidents and injuries. Some of the plastic balls would break apart, sending sharp pieces flying and hurting kids. To fix this, Wham-O made a new, safer version, but it didn’t become as popular as the original.
A Lasting Legacy
Even with their mixed history, Toy Clackers still have many fans, especially among collectors and people who remember playing with them when they were kids. These vintage toys connect us to the past and remind us of the fun times spent with friends. They might seem simple, but the happiness they bring is priceless.
Let’s Relive the Joy
Do you remember how much fun Toy Clackers were? For me, they bring back memories of playing with them at my friends’ houses. There was something really satisfying about swinging those balls and hearing the clacking sound. Did you get to enjoy the fun of Toy Clackers too? Let’s take a trip down memory lane and relive those happy moments together!
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