In these turbulent times impacted by the Pandemic, the world’s population is undergoing many troubles such as loss of employment, shutting down of businesses, loss of financial security, loss of their lifestyle, loss of friends, family, and loved ones. But among all these the one that hits most hard is the loss of loved ones. One can recover from these other losses but losing a parent or sibling or spouse or a child is not something one can ever turn around. And this devastating experience recently occurred in the life of the evergreen and ever popular artist – country singer and song-writer Reba McEntire. Reba lost her 93 years old mother Jacqueline on March 14th of this year. Jacqueline had long been diagnosed with cancer and finally succumbed to it. Unfortunately, the shut down regulations of the COVID pandemic did not allow Reba to give a proper send-off to her mother immediately. It was weeks after her death that Jaqueline was finally laid to rest with a small private memorial. Reba noted in an interview that her mother loved to be among people and soak in their attention and so she plans to honor her mother one of these days in a grand way.
While the delay in laying her mother to rest was stressful, Reba used this time to celebrate her mother. Along with her sister, Reba took the time to unearth many hidden memories and wonderful moments she spent with her mother. In the 21st century, people have been leading their lives at a furious pace. Days, Months and Years feel like they are flying by. People are so immersed in their busy lives, that they are not taking the time to stop, look, reflect, introspect, enjoy, admire and revel in the miracle of Life and Nature. We all know that Time once gone does not come back. Hence it makes it even more imperative to know what we want to do in our lives and decide what legacy we want to leave behind. While the Pandemic has been debilitating for many people, out of this tragedy has come the much-needed deceleration in the life of some people. It has allowed them to look around in their lives and recognize what is important and what is not. Reba noted that this pandemic gave her an opportunity to slow down and reflect.
But it is not all about loss and slowing down though. Reba is also welcoming new found love in her life! Reba is currently dating Rex Linn, an actor. She met Rex on the sets of Young Sheldon where Reba had a guest role. Love, newly blossoming relationships, mended relationships – all of these represent growth, hope and belief in the future. They indicate resilience. And who knows this better than Reba who has sustained her career through ups and downs, heart breaks, and dizzying heights for 45 years. She has released 29 studio albums, sold over 75 million records, scored 24 number one singles, won numerous awards and accolades, and continuously entertained us in Theater, Television and Movie productions. Reba believes that her faith in God has helped her weather the various storms in her life all through these years. She strongly believes that God will always protect and show us the right path when we trust him.