Reba McEntire Pays Tribute to Her Mother With Emotional Video for “Seven Minutes In Heaven”
Reba McEntire has unveiled one of the most deeply personal and moving videos of her career with the release of “Seven Minutes In Heaven.” Featured on her acoustic album Not That Fancy, released on October 6, 2023, this song delves into themes of grief, love, and the yearning to reunite with those we’ve lost.
While the album offers acoustic renditions of 13 of her iconic hits, it’s this poignant new track that has captured the hearts of listeners worldwide, evoking emotions that leave many reaching for tissues.
The song, penned by Matt Wynn and Olivia Rudeen, centers around a simple yet powerful question: What would you do if you were granted just a few minutes in Heaven? Reba’s response, laid out through her heartfelt lyrics, turns away from fame and historical curiosity to focus on something much more personal—love.
“I wouldn’t ask Cash why he wore all black,
Or have Elvis sing me a song.
I wouldn’t ask why Kennedy died,
’Cause I know that I wouldn’t have long…
If I had seven minutes in Heaven,
I’d spend them all with you.”
Though Reba never names the person she’s addressing, the accompanying music video makes it clear: it’s a tribute to her late mother, Jacqueline McEntire, who passed away in 2020 after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 92.
Reba shared a deeply moving tribute to her mother shortly after her passing, writing:
“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 for selecting the time for her to go home. She was ready to see our Daddy, her mama and daddy, and all her family and friends.”
Reba’s admiration and love for her mother have been woven throughout her music for years. In 2019, she closed her album Stronger Than the Truth with a song called “You Never Gave Up On Me,” believed to be another tribute to Jacqueline. Through both of these powerful songs, Reba continues to honor the legacy of the woman who shaped her life and music.