Reba McEntire Reflects on Dolly Parton’s Support Following 1991 Tragedy

During one of the most difficult times in her life, Reba McEntire leaned on someone who truly understood her pain — fellow country legend Dolly Parton. 🎵❤️

A NIGHT THAT LEFT A LASTING IMPACT
For Reba McEntire’s fans, March 16, 1991, remains a sorrowful date in the history of country music. Around 2:00 AM, while resting in her San Diego hotel room following a concert, Reba received a phone call that would forever change her world.

A devastating plane crash claimed the lives of Reba McEntire’s entire touring band and tour manager as they traveled to Fort Wayne, Indiana, just hours after performing a private concert for IBM executives. In an instant, Reba lost nine cherished colleagues — individuals she loved like family.

REMEMBERING THOSE LOST
The crash took the lives of:

• 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 had originally been scheduled to fly with them but chose to stay behind in San Diego, feeling unwell. Her husband at the time, Narvel Blackstock, and her stylist, Sandy Spika, remained with her. The rest of the team departed in two aircraft. One never made it.

A TRIBUTE THAT TOUCHED HEARTS
Later that year, at the ACM Awards, Reba was named Top Female Vocalist. With grace and emotion, she dedicated the honor to the bandmates she lost — a tribute that resonated deeply with fans and remains a powerful moment in country music 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.