Reba McEntire Shares How Dolly Parton Helped Her Cope After 1991 Plane Crash

In a time of unimaginable sorrow, Reba McEntire found comfort and resilience through the kindness of someone who knew the road she was walking — country music icon Dolly Parton. 🌹🎶

A NIGHT FOREVER REMEMBERED
March 16, 1991, stands as a painful memory for Reba McEntire and her fans. After performing in San Diego, Reba was resting in her hotel room when, at 2:00 AM, she received devastating news that would leave a lasting mark on her life and career.

The unimaginable happened just hours after a private performance for IBM executives — a plane carrying Reba McEntire’s touring band and tour manager tragically crashed on its way to Fort Wayne, Indiana. In that single, life-altering moment, Reba lost nine dear friends — people she worked with, laughed with, and loved like family.

THOSE WHO NEVER MADE IT HOME
Among those who perished in the crash were:

• Jim Hammon – Tour Manager

• Kirk Cappello & Joey Cigainero – Keyboardists

• Tony Saputo – Drummer

• Michael Thomas & Chris Austin – Guitarists

• Terry Jackson – Bassist

• Paula Kaye Evans – Backup Singer

• Donald Holmes & Christopher Hollinger – Pilots

Reba was meant to be on that plane. But feeling under the weather, she chose to remain in San Diego with her husband at the time, Narvel Blackstock, and her stylist Sandy Spika. The rest of the crew split into two aircraft. One never reached its destination.

KEEPING THEIR MEMORY ALIVE
Later that year, when Reba was honored as Top Female Vocalist at the ACM Awards, she took the stage with quiet strength. Her acceptance speech wasn’t just a thank-you — it was a heartfelt tribute to the talented, beloved people she had lost. That moment still stands as one of the most emotional in country music award history.

 DOLLY PARTON’S UNFORGETTABLE OFFER OF SUPPORT

While Reba’s grief was immeasurable, she wasn’t alone. In a 2021 interview with Variety, Reba revealed something many fans had never heard before: Dolly Parton offered her full support in a way only a true friend could.

“She called and said, ‘What do you need? Do you want my band?’”
“She sent Gary Smith, her band leader, to help put a new band together for me.”

At a time when Reba was unsure if she could return to the stage, Dolly not only encouraged her but offered her own team to help her get back on her feet. Reba also mentioned that Vince Gill made a similar gesture, offering to perform and tour with her if needed.

A FRIENDSHIP ROOTED IN MUSIC AND HEART

In 2021, Reba and Dolly collaborated on a stunning new version of “Does He Love You?”, and their official music video captured the emotional depth of their connection. For fans, it was more than a duet—it was a testament to friendship, healing, and country music at its most sincere.

Reba has always been vocal about how much that gesture meant to her. The bond between an artist and their band is irreplaceable, and Dolly’s willingness to step in during such a painful time was no small act.

“They were both right there for me the whole time,” Reba said, her voice filled with gratitude.

 A LEGACY OF LOVE AND LOYALTY

Dolly Parton has long been admired not just for her talent, but for her compassion. Her support of Reba during this tragedy is a powerful reminder of how kindness and community define the best of country music.

And for Reba McEntire, that kindness helped her take the stage again—stronger, braver, and surrounded by the spirit of those she lost.