On June 9, 1993, more than 2,000 people gathered at First Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee, to say goodbye to Conway Twitty. Country music stars filled the church alongside family, friends, and devoted fans. But among the many emotional tributes that day, a few words from Reba McEntire captured something the entire room seemed to be feeling.
Reba McEntire had spent years watching Conway Twitty close concerts. Now Reba McEntire was struggling to accept that the final curtain had fallen.
The Final Performance in Branson
Just five days earlier, on June 4, Conway Twitty had performed in Branson, Missouri. Despite experiencing discomfort that day, Conway Twitty went ahead with the scheduled performance.
After the show, Conway Twitty boarded the tour bus for the journey home to Hendersonville. During a stop near Springfield, Missouri, Conway Twitty collapsed and was rushed to a hospital.
Doctors discovered a serious internal medical emergency. Despite emergency treatment, Conway Twitty died on June 5, 1993, at the age of 59.
The news stunned country music. Conway Twitty had remained an active performer, recording new material and touring regularly. There had been no farewell tour, no final announcement, and no planned retirement.
One of country music’s most familiar voices was suddenly silent.
The Night Reba McEntire Helped Conway Twitty’s Family
Before the memorial service, Reba McEntire had already done something deeply personal for Conway Twitty’s family.
Years later, Conway Twitty’s grandson, Tre Twitty, shared a story about the night Conway Twitty was hospitalized.
Conway Twitty’s children were in the Nashville area when the family received news of the emergency. The drive to Springfield would take several hours. Conway Twitty’s son Michael contacted Reba McEntire in the middle of the night.
According to Tre Twitty’s account, Reba McEntire immediately offered the use of a private plane.
Michael Twitty was able to fly to Springfield and reach the hospital in time to say goodbye. The family later returned to Nashville aboard Reba McEntire’s plane.
When Michael Twitty subsequently offered to reimburse Reba McEntire, Reba McEntire refused. Tre Twitty recalled that Reba McEntire remembered how generously Conway Twitty had treated Reba McEntire during the early years of Reba McEntire’s career.
For Reba McEntire, helping the family was an opportunity to return that kindness.
A Church Filled With Country Music History
On June 9, the memorial service brought together an extraordinary gathering of country artists.
Garth Brooks, Tammy Wynette, Barbara Mandrell, Mickey Gilley, Naomi Judd, Little Jimmy Dickens, and the Oak Ridge Boys were among those attending. Vince Gill, who had previously toured with Conway Twitty, was also there.
Porter Wagoner spoke about Conway Twitty’s remarkable career and the importance of the fans who had supported Conway Twitty through the years.
Those fans had followed Conway Twitty from the rock-and-roll success of “It’s Only Make Believe” in 1958 to the country classics that followed.
There was “Hello Darlin’,” “Linda on My Mind,” “Tight Fittin’ Jeans,” and the unforgettable recordings with Loretta Lynn.
Yet the memorial was about more than records and awards. For the people who had worked alongside Conway Twitty, the loss was personal.
Why Reba McEntire Couldn’t Sing at the Memorial
In the book Comfort From a Country Quilt, Reba McEntire later explained that Reba McEntire had been asked to sing at Conway Twitty’s memorial.
Reba McEntire declined the invitation to perform, believing the emotions would make singing too difficult. Instead, Reba McEntire asked to speak about the influence Conway Twitty had on Reba McEntire’s life.
Reba McEntire remembered opening concerts for Conway Twitty and learning by watching the established superstar work. One lasting lesson involved Conway Twitty’s commitment to rehearsals and soundchecks, even when Conway Twitty was feeling unwell.
Reba McEntire also carried a personal regret: never fully telling Conway Twitty how much that example had meant.
Standing before the mourners, Reba McEntire recalled the excitement of hearing the audience welcome Conway Twitty to the stage.
“I’m not ready for Conway to close the show yet.”
The words needed little explanation.
The Goodbye That Never Felt Final
Reba McEntire’s tribute was especially meaningful because Conway Twitty had helped younger performers find their place in country music.
Following the memorial, Conway Twitty’s family held a private burial. Later that year, the album Final Touches was released, giving fans another opportunity to hear recordings from the legendary singer.
In 1999, Conway Twitty was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, a recognition of a career that had influenced generations of performers.
For millions of listeners, Conway Twitty will always be the singer who could command a room with two simple words: “Hello, darlin’.”
And for Reba McEntire, June 9, 1993, was more than a farewell to a country music legend. It was goodbye to a teacher, a generous friend, and a performer who had helped shape Reba McEntire’s own career.
Conway Twitty had closed thousands of shows. This was the one Reba McEntire wished would never end.