Published Nov 11, 2020

Reba McEntire, 65, Co-Hosts CMAs After Losing Her “Mama” to Cancer in March; “We Have So Many Wonderful Memories.”

Country singer Reba McEntire, 65, lost her mom to cancer in March during the pandemic; the resilient performer is back on stage tonight to host the CMAs.

Anne McCarthy

Details

Reba's Loss

Reba is co-hosting the 2020 Country Music Awards with Darius Rucker.
Reba’s mom, Jacqueline McEntire, died in March 2020 at age 93 following a battle with cancer.
Managing grief following the cancer-related loss of a parent can be helped by therapy and support groups.

Country legend Reba McEntire lost her mom in March and thanked a group of people we all depend on during a cancer journey, the caregivers. The resilient singer is co-hosting the Country Music Awards (CMAs) tonight with country singer Darius Rucker.

Reba’s sister is a breast cancer survivor, and Reba has been a source of support for others suffering from cancer. When her mom passed, Reba thanked all of the caregivers who helped them throughout their journey; as we all know, caregivers provide so much to a family battling cancer

Reba is taking all the necessary COVID-19 precautions for the big event. She shared a picture on Instagram of her wearing a mask and a face shield. She wrote: “Masked up and ready for our final #cmaawards rehearsals! Who's ready for the big show tonight?!?! 8/7c on ABC.”

View this post on Instagram

Masked up and ready for our final #cmaawards rehearsals! Who's ready for the big show tonight?!?! 8/7c on ABC
A post shared by Reba (@reba) on Nov 11, 2020 at 10:35am PST

Reba Loses Her Mom

Reba’s mom, gospel singer Jacqueline McEntire, died in March 2020 at age 93 following a battle with cancer. Reba called it a “blessing” to be in quarantine when she lost her mom. For many, the emotions of grief can be debilitating and overwhelming retreating and turning inward is often a necessary part of the process. Reba mourned the loss alongside her siblings while in quarantine.

After her mom’s death, the singer shared a sweet picture of her alongside her mom, saying: “This is us always having each other's backs. Tight knit family. She taught us that. #mama.”

View this post on Instagram

This is us always having each other's backs. Tight knit family. She taught us that. #mama
A post shared by Reba (@reba) on Mar 31, 2020 at 7:54am PDT

Having a strong support system, like a tight-knit family, can help mitigate the suffering of grief that follows the loss of a parent.

Sadness Is Not Always A Bad Thing Coping After Losing A Parent To Cancer

Coping with Cancer Loss

Whether it’s a parent like it was for Reba or just a loved one or even a colleague, a cancer loss can be tough to handle. Resources like therapy, and practices and behaviors like vulnerability and reaching out for help can make the grief journey one that is easier to travel.

For Reba, opening up about her mom was part of the process. On the day Jacqueline died, Reba shared the news with fans and loved ones in a heartfelt Instagram post which paid tribute to her mom, thanked her caregivers, and talked about how she would be reunited with loved ones, like Reba’s late father. The singer wrote:

“Our Mother, Jacqueline McEntire, made that wonderful cross over into Heaven today. She had a wonderful, full, healthy life and was absolutely ready to go. The cancer might think it won the battle but we're giving God all the credit on selecting the time for her to go home to Him. She was ready to see our Daddy, her mama and daddy and all her family and friends…She left knowing how much she is loved and we all know how much she loved us. We are very thankful…”

View this post on Instagram

Our Mother, Jacqueline McEntire, made that wonderful cross over into Heaven today. She had a wonderful, full, healthy life and was absolutely ready to go. The cancer might think it won the battle but we're giving God all the credit on selecting the time for her to go home to Him. She was ready to see our Daddy, her mama and daddy and all her family and friends. Down here, Alice, Pake, Susie and I, grandkids and great grandkids all got to visit with her either in person or over the phone. She left knowing how much she is loved and we all know how much she loved us. We are very thankful for all the prayers, cards, calls, visits, the care-givers with their huge hearts, and the time God gave us with Mama. Jackie, Jac, Ms McEntire, Mama, Mama Jac, Momo Jac, Grandma, Grandma Jac, whatever the title was at the time – she gave you her undivided attention. We're all going to miss her but we have so many wonderful memories. Thank you Lord for that. In lieu of flowers, the family lovingly asks that memorials be sent to the Reba McEntire Fund to benefit the Jacqueline McEntire Library Fund. Donations can be made online at https://www.texomagivingpartners.org/donate or mailed to: The Reba McEntire Fund 5036 Reba Drive Denison, Texas, 75020 In the memo line please write "Jacqueline McEntire" Phone: THF – Texoma Giving Partners at 903.337.0755
A post shared by Reba (@reba) on Mar 14, 2020 at 4:43pm PDT

While the loss of a parent is tragic, we’re proud of Reba’s resilience in the face of hardship. We know she’ll dazzle at the CMAs with her indomitable spirit and big heart

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