Reba McEntire is alive and continues to be an active presence in the entertainment industry. The confusion likely stems from a tragic event in her past. On March 16, 1991, a plane crash claimed the lives of eight members of her band and crew shortly after a performance in San Diego, California. McEntire, her then-husband and manager Narvel Blackstock, and her stylist Sandi Spika were not on the flight, having chosen to stay in San Diego overnight. The aircraft crashed into Otay Mountain shortly after takeoff, killing all on board, including band members Chris Austin, Kirk Cappello, Joey Cigainero, Paula Kaye Evans, Jim Hammon, Terry Jackson, Tony Saputo, and Michael Thomas .(tvinsider.com, en.wikipedia.org)
In the aftermath, McEntire released the album For My Broken Heart in October 1991, dedicating it to her lost bandmates. The album became her best-selling to date, resonating deeply with fans . She has since commemorated the anniversary of the tragedy, reflecting on the impact it had on her life and career .(en.wikipedia.org, people.com)
As of June 2025, Reba McEntire remains a vibrant figure in country music and television, continuing to perform and engage with her audience.
