Reba McEntire, a luminary in the world of country music, recently shared a poignant chapter of her life, revealing how the loss of her mother nearly led her to abandon her singing career.

The country icon, known for her powerful voice and heartfelt lyrics, faced a profound moment of reckoning when her mother, Jacqueline, passed away in 2020 at the age of 93.

Jacqueline’s passing left a void in Reba’s heart, casting a shadow over her lifelong passion for music.

Reba, whose career spans decades with numerous hits and accolades, suddenly found herself questioning the very essence of her musical journey.

Music, which had been a source of joy and expression for her, seemed to lose its luster in the wake of her mother’s passing.

During an emotional appearance on TODAY, Reba recounted a conversation with her sister Susie that underscored her crisis of passion.

“I told my little sister Susie when we were working at the house, I said, ‘I don’t know if I want to sing anymore.’

She said, ‘Why?’ I said, ‘Because I always sang for Mama,’” she explained, her voice reflecting the depth of her loss.

At 68, Reba’s journey has been more than just a successful career; it’s been a life deeply intertwined with music, thanks in large part to her mother.

“Mama was the one that inspired us kids, taught us kids how to sing, took us to our singing gigs and was our biggest cheerleader,” Reba said, her words painting a vivid picture of Jacqueline’s pivotal role in her life.

Jacqueline herself had a passion for music and aspired to be a singer, a dream she vicariously lived through Reba.

“She said, ‘Reba, I will be living my dreams through you.’ So golly, why wouldn’t you want to go sing?”

Reba recalled, echoing her mother’s words that had fueled her ambition and drive throughout her career.

Reba’s latest song, “Seven Minutes in Heaven,” is a heartfelt homage to her mother.

Performing it on TODAY, she channeled her emotions into the music, proof of her enduring talent and the profound influence her mother had on her artistry.

This song adds to Reba’s rich discography, which includes hits like “Fancy,” “Consider Me Gone,” and “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” songs that have resonated with millions of fans worldwide.

In her conversation, Reba also spoke warmly of her boyfriend, Rex Linn, and his significant role in helping her cope with her mother’s loss.

“When you have somebody to share the grief with, when you have somebody to share the fun (and) the sad times, it’s always so much better,” she said.

Her relationship with Rex, characterized by mutual support and understanding, has been a source of comfort and strength in her time of grief.

Earlier this year, in a conversation with Willie Geist on TODAY, Reba delved into the crucial role her mother played in her singing career.

She reminisced about how music was a constant in the McEntire household, a bond that united the family in harmony and joy.

“We didn’t have radio in the car. It was four kids in the backseat, rough-housing and, you know, Mama would get us to sing to pass the time,” she shared, her voice tinged with nostalgia.

“We were the singing McEntires.”

This fond memory highlights the simple yet profound ways music infused their daily lives, a tradition that Reba has upheld throughout her illustrious career.

Reba McEntire’s journey in country music has been nothing short of remarkable.

From her early days singing in rodeos to becoming a household name, she has navigated the industry with resilience and grace.

Her music, often infused with stories of life, love, and hardship, has touched the hearts of audiences across generations.

In every note she sings, there’s a piece of her heart and a tribute to the woman who started it all – her mother, her mentor, her muse.

Watch the video below to learn more.