7 Unexpected Facts About Reba McEntire's Son And Blended Family: A 2025 Update

The Queen of Country, Reba McEntire, is a legend in the entertainment world, but when the spotlight fades, her greatest role is that of a mother. For decades, fans have been curious about her family life, specifically, "Does Reba McEntire have children?" The simple answer is yes: she has one biological son, but the full story involves a large, complex, and loving blended family that has faced both triumphs and recent, heartbreaking struggles in 2024 and 2025.

The truth is that Reba's family tree is more extensive than many realize, including a son who followed a path far from country music and a network of stepchildren who remain a significant part of her life today. This deep dive reveals everything you need to know about her only child, his unique career, and the most current family updates.

Reba McEntire: A Quick Biography and Family Foundation

Reba Nell McEntire, born on March 28, 1955, in McAlester, Oklahoma, is one of the most successful and enduring figures in American music, earning the moniker "The Queen of Country." She grew up on an eight-thousand-acre cattle ranch in Chockie, Oklahoma, traveling to rodeos with her father, a world-champion steer roper.

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Her career spans music, film, and television, including her popular sitcom *Reba* and, more recently, her role as a celebrity coach on *The Voice*.

• Full Name: Reba Nell McEntire
• Born: March 28, 1955
• Birthplace: McAlester, Oklahoma, U.S.
• Nickname: The Queen of Country
• First Marriage: Charlie Battles (m. 1976; div. 1987)
• Second Marriage: Narvel Blackstock (m. 1989; div. 2015)
• Current Partner: Rex Linn (since 2020)
• Biological Children: One Son
• Stepchildren: Five (from both marriages)

Reba’s first marriage to rancher Charlie Battles lasted over a decade, but did not result in any children. Her second marriage to her manager, Narvel Blackstock, was the one that brought her both her biological son and a substantial blended family.

The One and Only: Meet Shelby Steven McEntire Blackstock

Reba McEntire has one biological child, a son named Shelby Steven McEntire Blackstock. He was born on February 23, 1990, during her marriage to Narvel Blackstock.

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1. He Chose the Racetrack Over the Recording Studio

Unlike his famous mother, Shelby did not pursue a career in country music. Instead, he became a professional race car driver. His career has included racing in various series, showcasing a passion for high-speed competition that is a world away from the Grand Ole Opry stage.

2. Shelby's Wife is a Former Miss Oklahoma

Shelby married Marissa Branch in 2020. Marissa, who is a former Miss Oklahoma, is known professionally as Marissa Blackstock. The couple resides in Nashville, where Shelby’s mother also lives part-time.

3. The Family Has Faced Public Fertility Struggles and Loss (Update 2025)

In a deeply personal and recent update, Shelby and Marissa Blackstock have been open about their journey to start a family. In 2024 and 2025, they shared publicly that they have been trying to conceive for over a year and have faced fertility struggles. Tragically, the family endured a devastating loss when Marissa shared the heartbreaking news of a pregnancy loss. Reba has publicly supported her son and daughter-in-law through this difficult time, demonstrating the strong bond within the family.

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The Blended Family: Reba's Five Stepchildren

While Shelby is her only biological child, Reba is a proud mother figure to five stepchildren from her two marriages. This large, blended family dynamic is a key part of her life.

4. Her Second Marriage Brought Her Three Blackstock Stepchildren

When Reba married Narvel Blackstock, she became the stepmother to his three children from a previous marriage: Brandon Blackstock, Chassidy Blackstock, and Shawna Blackstock.

5. Brandon Blackstock is a Key Connection to Kelly Clarkson

The most famous of her stepchildren is Brandon Blackstock, who was a talent manager. Brandon was married to superstar singer Kelly Clarkson from 2013 to 2021. This connection meant that Reba was, for a time, Kelly Clarkson’s mother-in-law, a relationship that has often been highlighted in the media.

6. Reba Maintains a Close Relationship with Her Stepchildren

Even after her divorce from Narvel Blackstock in 2015, Reba has emphasized that she maintains a loving relationship with her stepchildren. She has been vocal about the importance of family, and this continued bond is a testament to the strength of her familial ties. The country star often refers to her "kids," including her stepchildren, in her public discussions about family life.

7. Rare Family Outings with Rex Linn Offer Fresh Glimpses (2025)

In a sweet, recent update from 2025, Reba shared a rare family moment on social media, featuring her current partner, actor Rex Linn, her son Shelby, and daughter-in-law Marissa. This public display of a harmonious, expanded family unit underscores the current happiness and stability in her personal life, despite the recent hardships the younger couple has faced. Rex Linn, known for his role in *CSI: Miami*, and Reba have been dating since 2020, adding another supportive figure to the McEntire-Blackstock family circle.

The Legacy of Motherhood and Family

Reba McEntire’s role as a mother, both biological and step, has been a consistent theme throughout her life and career. Her son, Shelby Blackstock, is her pride and joy, and his unique path as a professional race car driver has given her a different world to cheer for. The recent, sensitive updates regarding Shelby and Marissa's fertility journey have brought the family closer, showing a vulnerability and strength that resonates deeply with fans.

The blended family dynamics—a common reality for many—have been navigated with grace and love by the "Fancy" singer. From her initial marriage to Charlie Battles to her long union with Narvel Blackstock, and now her relationship with Rex Linn, the core of Reba's life remains her commitment to her children and stepchildren. She has successfully built a large, supportive network in Nashville, proving that family is defined by love and connection, not just biology.

As Reba continues her iconic career as an actress and coach on *The Voice*, her personal life remains grounded in the love for her son, daughter-in-law, and her extended family. Her openness about their recent struggles solidifies her status not just as the Queen of Country, but as a deeply relatable and devoted mother.