The Loss of Reba McEntire’s Mother Nearly Led Her to Give Up on Making Music
May 31, 2023
source: Mike Windle/Getty Images
Losing a loved one is undoubtedly one of the most challenging experiences anyone can face. It can shake our foundations and make us question our purpose and aspirations. Even world-renowned artists like Reba McEntire are not exempt from the transformative impact of such a loss. In a recent interview with ET Canada, the country music icon shared how the passing of her mother, Jacqueline McEntire, in March 2020 almost led her to leave the music industry altogether.
In the aftermath of her mother’s death, Reba found herself back at the family home, faced with the task of going through her parents’ belongings alongside her sister Susie. As they sorted through their cherished memories, Reba admitted to ET that she felt a profound loss of motivation for her music career. She confided in her sister, saying, “I don’t have a want to because mama was my want to.” For years, Reba had been living her mother’s dreams through her own success in the music industry, and without her guiding force, she questioned the purpose behind her pursuits.
Fortunately, this period of doubt proved to be only a passing phase for the talented singer. Reba soon realized that her love for music went far beyond her mother’s influence. It was an intrinsic part of her being, a God-given gift that she treasured. “I absolutely love to get to sing songs to make people feel something, whether it’s sad, happy, whatever it is,” she explained. This realization reminded Reba of the profound impact her voice had on others, and she understood that her music was a legacy bestowed upon her by her mother. It was a gift that extended not only to herself but also to her siblings, Susie and Pake. With this newfound perspective, Reba resolved to carry on, honoring her mother’s memory through her continued dedication to her craft.
As time passed, the pain of loss began to soften its grip on Reba’s heart. A year after her mother’s passing, she decided to pay tribute to her in a heartfelt music video for her song “You Never Gave Up on Me.” Through a collection of photographs and video clips spanning Reba’s life, from her humble beginnings in small-town Oklahoma to the pinnacle of her entertainment career, the video serves as a touching homage to the McEntire family and the unwavering support they shared. It became evident that Reba’s mother had played an instrumental role in shaping her into the artist and person she had become.
Reba believes her mother’s spirit is still by her side, watching over her every step of the way. “I feel she’s still with me. I love that,” Reba shared in the interview. This belief serves as a powerful source of strength, providing her with the comfort and motivation to pursue her dreams despite the pain of loss.
Reba McEntire’s journey showcases the power of resilience and the capacity for self-discovery in the face of grief. It reminds us that loss can shape us in unexpected ways, prompting us to question our path and reevaluate our passions. However, it is through introspection and the rediscovery of our intrinsic motivations that we can find the strength to continue and honor the legacies of those we have lost.
For Reba, the loss of her mother may have momentarily caused her to question her love for music, but ultimately, it reaffirmed her passion and her desire to touch people’s lives through her art.