“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
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.
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.