March 16, 1991, remains one of the darkest days in country music history. On that devastating night, Reba McEntire lost her beloved band members in a tragic plane crash. After performing at a private event for IBM in San Diego, Reba stayed behind at the hotel, feeling under the weather — a decision that unknowingly saved her life. The band’s plane crashed shortly after takeoff, leaving no survivors.
The victims included not just colleagues, but dear friends who were like family to Reba:
- Jim Hammon (tour manager)
- Kirk Cappello and Joey Cigainero (keyboardists)
- Tony Saputo (drummer)
- Michael Thomas and Chris Austin (guitarists)
- Terry Jackson (bassist)
- Paula Kaye Evans (backup singer)
- Donald Holmes and Christopher Hollinger (pilots)
In the midst of this heartbreak, a phone call came that Reba will never forget. Dolly Parton, with her signature kindness, reached out immediately. “What do you need? Do you want my band?” Dolly asked. And she meant it — she sent her music director, Gary Smith, to help Reba pull together a new band so she could keep going. Vince Gill also stepped up, offering to perform alongside Reba until she felt strong enough to take the stage again.
For Reba, the connection between a singer and their band runs deeper than music — they’re family. That’s why Dolly’s generous offer wasn’t just professional support — it was a lifeline. Years later, when Reba and Dolly teamed up for Does He Love You?, Reba made sure to share how much Dolly’s compassion meant during that painful chapter of her life. Their bond is a shining example of true friendship in the world of country music.
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Dolly Parton Helped Reba McEntire Rebuild After 1991 Plane Crash That Killed Her Band
On March 16, 1991, a plane carrying Reba McEntire’s band crashed after taking off from San Diego, killing everyone on board. Reba, who had stayed behind at her hotel due to illness, was left to mourn the loss of her team, including:
- Jim Hammon (tour manager)
- Kirk Cappello and Joey Cigainero (keyboardists)
- Tony Saputo (drummer)
- Michael Thomas and Chris Austin (guitarists)
- Terry Jackson (bassist)
- Paula Kaye Evans (backup singer)
- Donald Holmes and Christopher Hollinger (pilots)
In the aftermath, Reba received a call from Dolly Parton, who offered immediate support. Dolly not only asked what Reba needed, but offered her own band. She sent music director Gary Smith to assist Reba in forming a new group. Vince Gill also offered to help Reba onstage during that difficult time.
Reba later reflected on how Dolly’s generosity during that tragedy showed the true depth of their friendship — a bond that continued as they worked together on projects like Does He Love You?.
