By India McCarty
Reba McEntire has paid tribute to the eight members of her band and crew who were killed in the tragic 1991 plane crash, marking the anniversary with a heartfelt remembrance and a charitable gift.
In a statement given to PEOPLE on March 16, McEntire reflected on the loss: “Thirty-five years ago today, Heaven gained some very talented angels.” She listed the eight individuals who died in the accident while traveling to a concert in San Diego: Chris Austin, Kirk Cappello, Joey Cigainero, Paula Kaye Evans, Jim Hammon, Terry Jackson, Tony Saputo and Michael Thomas.
McEntire emphasized that those who perished were far more than colleagues. “Our band and crew that were with us for way too short a time were more than co-workers… they were dear friends who shared the road, the music, the audiences and so much more with me,” she said. To honor their memory, she has made a donation to MusiCares, the organization dedicated to supporting music industry professionals and their families in times of need. “In their memory, we’re honored to support MusiCares,” McEntire added. “My hope is that this gift helps musicians and their families when they need it most.”
Theresa Wolters, Executive Director at MusiCares, expressed gratitude for McEntire’s decision to honor her late band and crew through the organization. Wolters told PEOPLE that MusiCares is committed to helping music industry workers and their families during medical crises, disasters, and other hardships. She said McEntire’s generosity helps ensure that those who take care of the music receive the care they need, allowing the music to continue for listeners everywhere.
McEntire has spoken repeatedly about how profoundly the 1991 crash affected her life and career. In a 2022 interview with PEOPLE, she described the emotional aftermath and the uncertainty she felt about continuing to perform. “I didn’t know if I was going to be able to continue,” she said, noting that the tragedy underscored how precious life is. Relying on her faith and the support of loved ones, she found comfort in the belief that her lost friends had “gone on to a better place.”
She also has acknowledged the practical and emotional support offered by fellow artists following the crash. In a recent interview with Garden & Gun, McEntire recalled how colleagues reached out to help her get back onstage. Vince Gill reportedly called to offer support, saying, “Buddy, I’ll be there for you,” and Dolly Parton generously offered the use of her band. McEntire described those gestures as a profound gift: they reassured her and helped a circle of grieving friends and family begin to heal.
By choosing to support MusiCares in memory of those who died, McEntire is both honoring the lives of musicians she loved and contributing to an ongoing safety net for the music community. Her donation reflects a desire to turn grief into meaningful action—helping other music professionals and their families when they face inevitable hardships, just as she received help during one of the most difficult periods of her life.
McEntire’s tribute and charitable contribution serve as a reminder of the deep bonds formed on the road and of the lasting influence those she lost continue to have on her life and career. Through remembrance, public statements, and support for organizations that aid music people in times of trouble, she keeps their memory alive while providing practical assistance to others in the industry.
Questions or comments? Please write to us here.