Reba McEntire Pays Tribute to Her Mother With Emotional Video for “Seven Minutes In Heaven”

Country music icon Reba McEntire has released one of the most powerful and personal videos of her career. As part of her acoustic album Not That Fancy, released on October 6, 2023, Reba debuted a heartfelt new track titled “Seven Minutes In Heaven” — a song that explores grief, memory, and the deep longing to reunite with those we’ve lost.

While the album features acoustic renditions of 13 of her most beloved hits, it’s this emotional new song that has listeners across the globe reaching for tissues — and for good reason.

 A Song About Love Beyond Life: “Seven Minutes In Heaven”

Written by Matt Wynn and Olivia Rudeen, “Seven Minutes In Heaven” poses a simple yet profound question: What would you do if you had just a few minutes in Heaven? Reba answers it through moving lyrics that set aside fame, fortune, and history — and instead focus on 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.”

While Reba never says the name in the lyrics, the music video confirms exactly who that “you” is — her late mother, Jacqueline McEntire.

 Remembering Jacqueline McEntire: A Mother’s Legacy

Reba’s mother, Jacqueline McEntire, passed away on March 14, 2020, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 92 years old.

In an emotional tribute posted shortly after her passing, Reba wrote:

“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 love and respect for her mother have long been reflected in her music. She previously closed her 2019 album Stronger Than the Truth with a song titled “You Never Gave Up On Me”, another deeply personal track believed to be a tribute to Jacqueline.

 A Tearful Reunion in the “Seven Minutes In Heaven” Video

The official music video for “Seven Minutes In Heaven” is nothing short of cinematic — and devastatingly beautiful. It features an actress cast in the role of Reba’s mother, and shows Reba stepping into a heavenly space where she’s able to see, hold, and speak to her mama once more.

Tears flow as Reba hugs her mother tightly, asks her long-held questions, and ultimately has to say goodbye again — a moment that’s both fictional and painfully real for anyone who has experienced such a loss.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Reba shared:

“This one was an emotional one to film, but I’m sure glad we did. Who would you like to spend seven minutes in Heaven with?”

 A Song That Resonates With Every Broken Heart

“Seven Minutes In Heaven” resonates with anyone who’s lost a parent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, or close friend. Its message is universal: love doesn’t die, and memories keep our loved ones close — even when they’re far beyond our reach.

Whether you’re a longtime Reba fan or someone discovering her music for the first time, this song strikes a deeply human chord. It’s not just a tribute to her mother — it’s a mirror for all of us who’ve wished for just a little more time.

Watch the emotional music video for “Seven Minutes In Heaven” below — and be prepared to shed a tear or two.