2015 was a difficult year for Reba McEntire, as her 26 years of marriage ended. Narvel Blackstock, her now ex-husband, and McEntire were separated for months, and the divorce was finalized on October of 2015. The news shocked everyone, but most especially McEntire. Reba said in an interview with CMT, “the divorce was not my idea. I didn’t want it in any shape, form or fashion.”
It was really devastating for Reba, but the reason behind the divorce was even more painful. Despite all this, Reba and Narvel managed to remain friends, even after the split. The former couple had spent many happy and successful years together in the music industry and in their personal lives. Reba and her stepchildren remain very close as well. She even calls her stepchildren’s kids her own grandchildren.
A New Start
Back in 1980, Narvel was the steel guitar player in Reba’s band. Narvel became her manager in 1987, and their working relationship turned into friendship. Narvel helped Reba go through her divorce during that time. They became closer and the friendship turned into a romantic relationship. In 1989, the two shared their love promises in a private marriage ceremony on a boat, in Lake Tahoe.
With the marriage, Reba became the mother of Narvel’s three kids from his previous relationship. In 1990, Reba gave birth to their son Shelby, who became a race car driver. Reba and Narvel were very strong and successful over the years, building Reba’s career, and establishing Starstruck Entertainment.
A County Star Is Born
On March 28, 1955, a country diva was born in McAlester, Oklahoma: Reba Nell McEntire. She, her brother (Pake), and two sisters (Susie and Alice) were raised in a small community, enjoying the simple country life on her family’s ranch. They would tend to the cattle together and do the cooking and cleaning as well.
She learned the importance of hard work and one’s involvement in the family unit. These values helped shaped her success, not only in her career, but also in her life as a whole. Reba has an excellent work ethic. No matter what she was going through, she did not let it affect her professionalism.
Ranches And Rodeos From an Early Age
Jacqueline McEntire, Reba’s mother, once wanted to become a country music artist herself. However, Jacqueline did not pursue her dream in the music world, and decided to become a school teacher instead. Back in the day, there was no other teacher in the community, and Jacqueline found her life purpose there instead of music. Reba’s father, Clark Vincent McEntire, and her grandfather, John Wesley McEntire, were both rodeo champion steer ropers. In fact, her father was a World Champion, not just once, but three times.
Reba was only five years old when she was already driving like a pro in her father’s truck. Just like most other farm kids, Reba helped on the family’s ranch. She and her father would feed the cattle together. Her father would be standing at the back of the truck, tossing off hay to the cattle while Reba drove.
A Musical Family
It was their mother, Jacqueline, who taught Reba and her siblings how to sing. At a very young age, they would sing and do some harmonies while they rode home from their father’s rodeo shows. Reba’s first solo performance was when she was in first grade, singing “Away in a Manger” at a Christmas play.
Reba, together with her brother, Pake and sister, Susie, formed a vocal group, singing at local rodeos. They called themselves, the “Singing McEntires,” and Reba played the guitar. Reba also sang for their local radio station, and there were times at rodeo competitions when she would be asked to sing the national anthem. She was also invited to sing at the graduation ceremony of the town’s high school when she was in third grade. How cute!