Reba McEntire has paid tribute to Dylan Carter after the young singer – who appeared on her team on The Voice – died in a car accident aged 24.
Describing him as a “brilliant, kind and talented young man”, Reba, 70 – a country music star and coach on NBC’s The Voice, where she joined the panel in recent seasons following a career spanning chart-topping hits and her sitcom Reba, shared a message after Dylan’s death was confirmed by officials in Colleton County, South Carolina, on Monday. (27.04.26)
Dylan, who performed on season 24 of The Voice in 2023, had been part of Reba’s team after earning a four-chair turn during his blind audition.
His death was first announced by the nonprofit Local Voice, which he co-founded to support women with breast cancer following the death of his mother.
Paying tribute, Reba said: “We will miss Dylan so much. He was a brilliant, kind and talented young man who brought a huge ray of sunshine to The Voice. Rest in peace, my dear friend.”
Dylan’s appearance on The Voice became one of the season’s most widely shared moments, as he performed Whitney Houston’s I Look To You in an emotional audition.
He explained at the time he had chosen the song in memory of his mother, saying he had struggled to sing it at her funeral the previous year.
His performance moved all four judges to turn their chairs, with Reba visibly emotional before Dylan chose her as his coach, telling her he had been a lifelong fan.
He progressed through the competition to the battle rounds before being eliminated in episode 12.
The Voice – which has continued to dominate NBC’s entertainment schedule with a rotating panel of celebrity coaches – has recently remained in the spotlight with Reba’s ongoing role, as well as wider discussion about the platform it provides emerging artists.
Outside the programme, Dylan was described by his organisation as a “proud Lowcountry native” of South Carolina, where he worked as a realtor and owned a campground while continuing to perform locally.
In a statement, Local Voice said: “Dylan was the heart of what we do. He believed every voice matters and lived that every day. Through his music, his kindness, and his smile, he brought people together and made everyone feel seen.”
The statement continued: “We are heartbroken, but find comfort knowing he is in heaven with his mother. We are so grateful for Dylan, for the love he gave this community, and for the impact he leaves behind. We will carry his light forward and continue this mission in his honor. Please keep his family in your prayers in the coming weeks as they navigate this tremendous loss.”
Dylan had been scheduled to perform in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, on Monday evening.
Moncks Corner mayor Thomas Hamilton Jr. also paid tribute, saying: “Our family is heartbroken to hear about the passing of Dylan Carter in a car accident. As a gifted singer, he frequently entertained our community with his performances at Town events. His kindness and charm earned him immense respect, and his absence will be deeply felt.”
He added: “To the loved ones and acquaintances of Dylan, we offer our sincerest condolences during this difficult period. The Town of Moncks Corner, its Council, and entire staff extend their deepest sympathies. He was much more to our family than an entertainer he was our friend and we are deeply saddened.”
