Reba McEntire has always been a proud mom, especially when it comes to her son, Shelby Blackstock. Sharing him with her ex-husband, Narvel Blackstock, Reba has ensured that Shelby grows up with strong values, just like she was raised in Oklahoma.
Meet Shelby Blackstock: A Legacy of Love
Shelby Blackstock, born on February 23, 1990, in Nashville, Tennessee, is the cherished son of Reba McEntire and Narvel Blackstock. He entered the world just a year after Reba and Narvel tied the knot. Reba, known for her role in Reba, has shared heartfelt stories about raising Shelby with the same values instilled in her during her upbringing in Oklahoma.
Reba has always been honest about her parenting style. In an interview with People in October 2022, she shared, “When we would play games or cards, I’d never let Shelby win. Why? Because he wouldn’t have learned anything that way. I always told Shelby, ‘I’ll always love you, but I want other people to like you. So don’t be a little jerk. Don’t be a spoiled brat.’”
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Reba continues to emphasize that many people have commented on how Shelby doesn’t seem to have been given everything easily. She credits Narvel for his role in raising Shelby to be a true gentleman. The couple, who were married from 1989 to 2015, created a loving environment where Shelby could thrive.
“I’m very proud of him,” Reba proudly declared. “He was a kid who had ADHD and struggled with reading in school, but look at him now—he’s read 10 books this year! Shelby is always trying to improve himself and do better. His daddy did a great job raising him too.”
Family Dynamics: A Tapestry of Love
During her marriage to Narvel, Reba also became a stepmom to his children from his first marriage to Elisa Gayle Ritter—Shawna Blackstock, Brandon Blackstock, and Chassidy Blackstock. Additionally, she grew close to her stepchildren, Lance Battles and Coty Battles, during her previous marriage to Charlie Battles.
Throughout her career, Reba has maintained that motherhood remains her top priority. She explains, “Shelby is a gift from God to me. We’re very close. Before Shelby, I was a self-centered person to a degree. But once you have this little person who you’re responsible for protecting, nurturing, loving, and teaching, all the attention isn’t on you anymore—and that’s a beautiful thing.”
Shelby Blackstock's Career: A Fast-Paced Life
Shelby Blackstock is a race car driver who first made waves in the racing world in 2010 and 2011. Reba shared that Shelby’s adventurous spirit was evident from a young age. “Shelby would jump on the golf cart, and he would be driving,” the Grammy-winning artist recalled. “He could barely touch the gas pedal. He would drive me around the place, and he would say, ‘Hang on! It’s going to be a bumpy ride!’ and we would chase the geese all around.”
When Shelby decided to drop out of college to pursue racing full time, it came as a surprise to Reba. “He came to me when he was a freshman in college and said, ‘I don’t want to go to college anymore. I want to be a race car driver!’ I said, ‘Who are you, and what have you done with Shelby?’” Reba revealed. “I had no idea he was so passionate about it.”
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Love Story: Shelby Blackstock and Marissa Branch
On February 12, 2022, Shelby tied the knot with Marissa Branch at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The couple met on the dating app Tinder back in 2014. Marissa, an influencer and licensed esthetician, quickly became a beloved part of Shelby’s life. Reba attended the wedding alongside her boyfriend, Rex Linn, whom she began dating in 2020. Narvel was also present for his son’s special day.
“Everyone was in close proximity, but it felt like a happy family event,” an insider told Closer in March 2022. “Nobody created any awkwardness. It was a celebration of love and family.”
