While the rest of the world is occupied with social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic, Reba McEntire and her family are dealing with an immense loss.
The actress and country singer announced the passing of her mother, Jacqueline McEntire on Instagram. She also shared a heartfelt tribute along with a set of photos featuring the late matriarch.
"Our Mother, Jacqueline McEntire, made that wonderful cross over into Heaven today,” the "Fancy" singer wrote in the caption. “She had a wonderful, full, healthy life and was absolutely ready to go."
Reba revealed that her mother, who was 93, suffered from cancer.
She continued, "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."
The “Fancy” singer went on to add that her family got to spend time with Jacqueline before her passing, either by visiting or talking on the phone. “She left knowing how much she is loved and we all know how much she loved us,” Reba continued. “We are very thankful for all the prayers, cards, calls, visits, the caregivers with their huge hearts, and the time God gave us with Mama.”
The star added that she and her family had the chance to spend some time with Jacqueline before she died.
"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."
Reba also took the opportunity to express the family's gratitude towards those who have supported the family throughout her mother's illness, including "the care-givers with their huge hearts."
The singer continued, “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.”
The "Heart won't lie" singer asked fans who want to pay their respects to make donations in lieu of flowers. The proceeds can be made to the Reba McEntire Fund, which will benefit the Jacqueline McEntire Library Fund.
In a recent update, Reba revealed that the family have "indefinitely postponed" Jacqueline's funeral and burial due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
"We will continue to monitor the situation and let you know as soon as possible about future plans to celebrate her life when it is safe for everyone to attend," wrote the singer.
Reba and Jacqueline shared a special bond. The singer even wrote a song about her mother titled "You Never Gave Up on Me." The track appeared on her 2019 album Stronger Than the Truth.
“Who besides God has never given up on me? Mama,” McEntire told The Boot at the time. “I sent it [my sister] Susie and [her husband] Mark, and I wanted them to play it for Mama on Christmas Eve. They’re in Oklahoma; I was here in Tennessee. And she sat there and listened to it. I sent the lyrics and everything, so she’d be able to make sure that she heard every word. She cried. She was very appreciative. She loved it. But I meant it with all my heart.”
The news of Jacqueline's passing comes just days after Reba postponed her tour due to the coronavirus.
"For the safety of everyone, we have decided to postpone our new arena tour until July," she wrote on Twitter. "All tickets will be honored for the new dates. Most importantly, stay safe and take care of you and your loved ones. We'll get through this together."
