Reba McEntire Pays Tribute to Her Late Mother with Emotional “Seven Minutes in Heaven” Music Video

Co-written by Matt Wynn and Olivia Rudeen, “Seven Minutes in Heaven” delivers a powerful emotional message—what would you say, and to whom, if you had just a few fleeting minutes in the afterlife? The song doesn’t just ask the question; it immerses listeners in the depth of longing and love that such a moment would bring.

Reba McEntire captures this sentiment beautifully in a poignant verse that stops listeners in their tracks:

“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.”

The emotional weight of that verse becomes even heavier when you understand who Reba is singing about: her beloved late mother, Jacqueline McEntire. That simple word, “you,” carries years of memories, love, and loss.

A Personal Tribute to a Mother’s Enduring Love

Jacqueline McEntire passed away on March 14, 2020, at the age of 92, following a long and brave fight with cancer. Reba shared her mother’s passing with fans in a touching post, choosing to focus not on the sorrow of the loss, but on her mother’s peaceful transition and the strength of her faith.

“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 on selecting the time for her to go home to Him.”

Jacqueline had always been Reba’s greatest supporter and inspiration. Her influence can be felt in many of Reba’s past songs, but perhaps none more clearly than in 2019’s “You Never Gave Up On Me,” from the album Stronger Than the Truth. The track, originally a celebration of steadfast love, gained even deeper emotional layers after Jacqueline’s passing.

The Music Video That’s Making Everyone Cry

To bring “Seven Minutes in Heaven” to life, Reba released a stirring music video that perfectly reflects the emotional core of the song. The visuals follow a woman—who bears a striking resemblance to Reba’s mother—as she reunites briefly with Reba in a heavenly space. The narrative captures that sacred moment of reunion, giving form to the longing the lyrics convey so tenderly.

One unforgettable scene shows the two embracing tightly, overwhelmed by emotion. It’s a visual that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced loss—a cathartic vision of what it might feel like to have one more moment with someone you love.

Reba took to X (formerly Twitter) to reflect on the experience of filming the video, sharing with fans just how meaningful it was:

“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?”

Why “Seven Minutes in Heaven” Resonates So Deeply

This isn’t just another country ballad—it’s a deeply universal anthem for anyone who’s ever carried grief. “Seven Minutes in Heaven” taps into the deepest wells of human emotion, acting as a tender reminder that love doesn’t end with goodbye. It stays, it echoes, and sometimes, through music, it even returns for a moment.

Whether you’ve said goodbye to a parent, sibling, spouse, or close friend, Reba’s stirring delivery offers a shared space for mourning, memory, and love. It’s not just a tribute—it’s a balm for the brokenhearted and a beautiful celebration of lasting connection.