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Reba McEntire paid tribute to her eight late band members 35 years after they died in tragic plane crash.
McEntire, 70, gave a “major gift” to MusiCares, she and the nonprofit organization confirmed on Monday (March 16). MusiCares “helps the humans behind music because music gives so much to the world,” including providing support for mental health, addiction recovery, health services, human services and more within the music community. The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences established the non-profit in 1989, and incorporated it in 1993.
“Thirty-five years ago today, Heaven gained some very talented angels,” McEntire said in a statement on Monday. “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. In their memory, we’re honored to support MusiCares, an organization that takes care of the people who take care of the music. My hope is that this gift helps musicians and their families when they need it most.”
Theresa Wolters, the executive director of MusiCares, said the organization “is incredibly grateful to Reba for honoring her band and crew in such a heartfelt way. Music brings us together, and behind every performance is a community of dedicated professionals who make those moments possible. At MusiCares, we’re here to support music people and their families when they face hardship, whether that’s medical crises, recovering from disaster, or simply getting through a difficult time. reba’s generosity helps ensure music people and their families have the care they need, to keep the music playing for all of us.”
Eight people in McEntire’s band and crew died in the crash in March 1991, following a show in San Diego, California. The band members included Chris Austin, Kirk Cappello, Joey Cigainero, Paula Kaye Evans, Jim Hammon, Terry Jackson, Tony Saputo and Michael Thomas, per a report from PEOPLE. McEntire and others were scheduled fly another time.
McEntire has since released music in honor of her late band members, and opened up about the support she received after the incident. She said in an interview with Garden & Gun earlier this year that “it was really hard for me to get back onstage [after the crash], but Vince Gill called and said, ‘Buddy, I’ll be there for you.’ Dolly Parton said, ‘Here, take my band.’ It was such a gift to see how many people stepped forward to help, and to reassure, because so many of us had hearts that were broken.”