Reba McEntire recently showed off her close bond with her son in a birthday post. While McEntire praised her son, fans were shocked by the Instagram post and shared their thoughts in the comments.
In a touching Instagram post, country music legend Reba McEntire celebrated her son Shelby Blackstock’s 34th birthday with a stunning photo, and fans are doing a double-take. McEntire, 68, and her son posed contemplatively, highlighting the striking resemblance between them. In her post, McEntire shared that she felt better on that day than she did the day he was born. Still, she acknowledged the blessing Blackstock has been in her life.
Shelby Blackstock and Reba McEntire on stage at “Not That Fancy: An Evening With Reba & Friends” in Nashville in November 2023 | Source: Getty Images
The internet’s reaction to the photo was swift and affectionate, with comments from fans and fellow artists alike. One user exclaimed, “Oh my gosh…..is he really that old?😮” while another praised, “He is a good looking guy.” The sentiments echoed across social media, with numerous remarks on how Blackstock “looks just like his mama!” and how he has her “beautiful face!”
Shelby Blackstock and Reba McEntire at the The 50th Annual CMA Awards in 2016 | Source: Getty Images
Beyond the Instagram snapshot and the fanfare it generated, Blackstock is a professional. The young man works as a principal and co-founder of B&R Developments LLC. His LinkedIn page reveals that he set aside the traditional college dream to focus on his career in racing, which is where his passion lies.
Reba McEntire and Shelby Blackstock at the 2011 Country Music Hall Of Fame Medallion Ceremony Induction in Nashville | Source: Getty Images
In a candid interview, McEntire revealed the core principles she instilled in Blackstock. Despite her esteemed status in the country music world, she never allowed her success to overshadow the importance of punctuality and respect — values she was determined to pass on to her son. “Mama and Daddy always said to me, ‘If you tell somebody you’re going to be somewhere at a certain time, you show up,” McEntire shared.
Narvel Blackstock, Reba McEntire, and Shelby Blackstock at the 28th Annual People’s Choice Awards in 2002 | Source: Getty Images
McEntire was resolute in ensuring Blackstock grew up grounded. The singer joked that she had told her son she would always love him, but she wanted others to like him, too. This led her to tell him not to act like a brat. It’s evident these lessons made an impact, as McEntire proudly noted that many have observed Shelby’s humility despite his affluent background.
Reba McEntire and Shelby Blackstock at the 31st Annual Academy of Country Music Awards in 1996 | Source: Getty Images
McEntire’s parenting approach with her only son, whom she had with her ex-husband, Narvel Blackstock, was hands-on and filled with love, even as she juggled her demanding career. She frequently took Blackstock on the road with her, and when that wasn’t possible, she made it a point to be there for him in the mornings, taking him to school and spending as much quality time as possible with him.
Narvel Blackstock, Reba McEntire, and Shelby Blackstock at the Passport ’01 20 Years of AIDS, 20 Years of Hope event in 2001 | Source: Getty Images
Today, Blackstock is recognized for his business acumen and his personal growth. Having overcome the challenges of ADHD and initial difficulties in reading, he has shown remarkable progress, demonstrating his mother’s tenacity and dedication to self-improvement.
Reba McEntire and Shelby Blackstock at the 2018 Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Gala | Source: Getty Images
McEntire and Blackstock’s relationship has evolved with time, with McEntire stating, “I was a very self-centered person to a degree before Shelby. But then there’s a little character who you are given the job to protect and nurture and love and teach, so all the attention’s not on you anymore.”
