{"id":2373,"date":"2025-06-02T03:05:18","date_gmt":"2025-06-02T02:05:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/?p=2373"},"modified":"2025-06-02T03:05:19","modified_gmt":"2025-06-02T02:05:19","slug":"reba-mcentire-is-a-proud-mom-of-one-son-she-shared-a-heartwarming-dance-with-him-at-his-fairytale-wedding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/?p=2373","title":{"rendered":"Reba McEntire Is a Proud Mom of One Son \u2013 She Shared a Heartwarming Dance with Him at His Fairytale Wedding"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Reba McEntire\u2019s only son found his happily ever after in a stunning Disney World wedding. The country music icon shared a special dance with her son on his special day, a testament to their close bond and the dedication Reba poured into raising him with strength, discipline, and humility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reba McEntire is a country music legend, known for her powerful vocals, chart-topping hits, and enduring influence in the entertainment industry. However, beyond her music, the star\u2019s most cherished role has always been that of a mother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Reba<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Reba McEntire photographed with her son, Shelby Blackstock, in 1994. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1990, she welcomed her only child, Shelby Blackstock, with her then-husband, Narvel Blackstock. Now all grown up, Shelby has pursued a successful career as a former race car driver<\/a> turned The Hartland CEO. In 2022, he reached another major milestone \u2014 saying \u201cI do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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On February 12, Shelby married his longtime love, Marissa Branch, in a fairytale wedding<\/a> at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The couple, who had met through Tinder in 2014 but only began dating two years later, saw their love story as a destined journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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They reflected on how their friends had long recognized their compatibility before they did, revealing<\/a>, \u201cIn retrospect, our mutual friends could see how compatible we are. They would always recommend that we should date. I think we were the only ones who didn\u2019t see it (at the time).\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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They continued<\/a>, \u201cThe love was always there; we just didn\u2019t understand it until we were both in the right headspace and had the maturity to recognize it. We both agree that if we had dated immediately upon meeting, we likely would not be as prepared as we are now to deserve one another.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Marissa described their connection as having an indescribable feeling of d\u00e9j\u00e0 vu, as if life had always intended for them to be together. For their wedding<\/a>, they chose Epcot and the Magic Kingdom, as the parks held deep sentimental value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A screnshot of Shelby and Marissa Blackstock on their wedding day from an Instagram post dated July 17, 2022. | Source: Instagram\/rissablackstock<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marissa\u2019s mother had once worked at Disney, managing the Small World ride, which had been a favorite of Marissa\u2019s grandmother. The bride cherished a photo of them on the ride and wanted to honor her memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cShe passed away in 2006 at the age of 57, while I was in middle school. She was my rock, and her passing affected me deeply,\u201d the bride revealed<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Shelby and Marissa first visited Disney together six years before their wedding, they made sure to ride Small World in remembrance. Epcot also played a key role in their relationship \u2014 it was where Shelby first told Marissa he loved her and later where he proposed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A screenshot of Marissa and Shelby Blackstock on their wedding day from an Instagram post dated July 17, 2022. | Source: Instagram\/rissablackstock<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It felt only natural to hold their nuptials<\/a> in a place so deeply intertwined with their love story. Their wedding day was further filled with magical moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guests enjoyed cocktail hour and dinner at Epcot\u2019s Rotunda Bistro before moving to Italy Isola for a breathtaking fireworks display. The ceremony took place in the Magic Kingdom after the park had closed for the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Marissa, eager for a true fairytale moment, walked down the aisle to \u201cTale as Old as Time\u201d from \u201cBeauty and the Beast.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shelby\u2019s close friend, Tom Ellis, officiated the ceremony, and instead of exchanging vows publicly, the couple opted for a more intimate approach, sharing personal thoughts and feelings during their first look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A screenshot of Shelby and Marissa Blackstock on their wedding day from an Instagram post dated February12, 2025. | Source: Instagram\/rissablackstock<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As part of their special day<\/a>, Marissa planned a heartfelt tribute to her late grandmother. Flower girls walked down the aisle to \u201cIt\u2019s a Small World\u201d in her honor, a gesture that brought instant tears to Marissa\u2019s mother once she heard of the plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A screenshot of Shelby and Marissa Blackstock on their wedding day from an Instagram post dated February12, 2025. | Source: Instagram\/rissablackstock<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNana will undoubtedly be with us in spirit on the big day [\u2026],\u201d Marissa said<\/a>. Following the ceremony, the couple and their guests celebrated with a uniquely Disney dining experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The wedding cake, almond and raspberry buttercream, incorporated 3-D projection mapping with scenes of a flying Tinkerbell and nods to iconic princess weddings. Guests also enjoyed Mickey and Minnie Mouse macarons and the famous Grey Stuff from \u201cBeauty and the Beast.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Marissa\u2019s bridal attire<\/a> was just as spectacular \u2014 she wore a gown by Galia Lahav for the ceremony and changed into a Balmain dress for the reception, pairing her looks with Christian Louboutin shoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marissa also carried a lace handkerchief that had been gifted to her<\/a> as a baby, known in her family as the \u201cMagic hanky.\u201d Shelby wore a classic suit from Oak Hall, and their wedding rings were crafted by Vincent Peach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A screenshot of Marissa and Shelby Blackstock on their wedding day from an Instagram post dated August 12, 2022. | Source: Instagram\/rissablackstock<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt can be worn as a bonnet, or for a christening, then saved until your wedding day. With a simple clip of the stitch, poof, it\u2019s something old and something new,\u201d she said<\/a>. The bride also wore jewelry from both her mother and Reba as her something borrowed and something blue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A screenshot of Marissa Blackstock on her wedding day from an Instagram post dated August 12, 2022. | Source: Instagram\/rissablackstock<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once the reception began, the newlyweds shared their first dance to Kacey Musgraves\u2019 \u201cButterflies,\u201d setting the tone for the night\u2019s emotional moments. Then, it was Reba\u2019s turn to take the dance floor with her son.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A screenshot of Reba McEntire and Shelby Blackstock during their mother-son dance on his wedding day from a YouTube video dated February 15, 2022. | Source: YouTube\/Taste of Country<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The country icon and her only child shared a deeply moving mother-son dance<\/a> to her own 2005 song, \u201cYou\u2019re Gonna Be Always Loved By Me.\u201d The song\u2019s lyrics, which express a parent\u2019s unwavering love for their child, made it the perfect choice for the occasion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following the big day, Marissa took to Instagram to share snaps of her and her iconic mother-in-law in honor of Reba\u2019s birthday, writing<\/a> in part, \u201cHappy Birthday to my kind, beautiful, strong, brilliant, supportive, and genuinely fabulous Mother-in-law @reba!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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After tying the knot, the newlyweds held off on any honeymoon plans<\/a> due to the COVID restrictions at the time but planned on going \u201csomewhere warm\u201d to celebrate their marriage once they could.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In the meantime, they kept dating each other, as Marissa shared<\/a>, \u201cNever forget the little things that make one another happy. It could be as simple as taking out the trash, remembering how your partner takes their tea\/coffee in the morning, or it could be as complex as planning a surprise date night [\u2026].\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A screenshot of Marissa and Shelby Blackstock on their wedding day from an Instagram post dated August 12, 2022. | Source: Instagram\/rissablackstock<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Six months after saying \u201cI do,\u201d the new bride took to Instagram to share<\/a>, \u201cYou\u2019ll be in my heart, from this day on, now and forever more. Always. \u2764\ufe0f Six months as husband and wife; eternity to go! (+ I\u2019m excited!) Forever celebrating the little moments. I love you 3000 \ud83e\udd1f\ud83c\udffc.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In honor of their first anniversary as husband and wife, the pair captioned<\/a> an Instagram post in part, \u201c\u2018I love you \u2013 and that\u2019s the beginning and end of everything.\u2019 \u2013 F. Scott Fitzgerald 2.12.22 One year already\u2026 how?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A screenshot of Shelby and Marissa Blackstock from an Instagram post dated March 9, 2023. | Source: Instagram\/shelbyblackstock\/ rissablackstock<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking ahead to what the future holds, Shelby and Marissa were excited for what was to come. They saw marriage as a partnership in tackling whatever life threw their way. More than anything, they were eager to build a family and create a legacy together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A Mother\u2019s Love, Strength, and the Values She Passed Down<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Reba has always been immensely proud of the man Shelby has become. She raised him with the same strong values she learned growing up in Chockie, Oklahoma, ensuring that he grew up grounded despite the privileges of being her son.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Reba<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Reba McEntire and Shelby Blackstock at the 31st Annual Academy of Country Music Awards on April 24, 1996. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMama and Daddy always said to me, \u2018If you tell somebody you\u2019re going to be somewhere at a certain time, you show up.\u2019 That\u2019s the way I was raised,\u201d the singer revealed<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen we would play games or cards, I\u2019d never let Shelby win. He wouldn\u2019t have learned anything that way. I always told Shelby, \u2018I\u2019ll always love you, but I want other people to like you. So don\u2019t be a little jerk. Don\u2019t be a spoiled brat,’\u201d she added<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A screenshot of Reba McEntire and Shelby Blackstock from an Instagram post dated March 28, 2019. | Source: Instagram\/shelbyblackstock<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her efforts paid off, as \u201ca lot of people have told me you would never know [he] had been blessed with the life he was given,\u201d Reba shared<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shelby excelled in his own career, proving himself as a talented race car driver. He won the GT World Challenge America Overall Championship in 2020, marking a significant milestone in his career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A screenshot of Reba McEntire and Shelby Blackstock from an Instagram post dated March 28, 2019. | Source: Instagram\/shelbyblackstock<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While his mother\u2019s name carried weight in the entertainment industry, he forged his own path in motorsports. His dedication to his craft was evident, and Reba couldn\u2019t have been prouder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m very proud of him. He was a kid who had ADHD and could barely read in school, and now he\u2019s read 10 books this year. He\u2019s always trying to improve and do better,\u201d the country star shared<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A screenshot of Reba McEntire and Shelby Blackstock from an Instagram post dated March 28, 2019. | Source: Instagram\/shelbyblackstock<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She added<\/a>, \u201cShelby is a gift from God to me. We\u2019re very close. I was a very self-centered person to a degree before Shelby. But then there\u2019s a little character who you are given the job to protect and nurture and love and teach, so all the attention\u2019s not on you anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Raising Shelby while managing a high-profile career was not easy, but Reba made it a priority to be present in his life. She frequently took him on tour, and when she couldn\u2019t, she would fly home after concerts to take him to school in the morning before heading out for her next performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Shelby<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Shelby Blackstock and Reba McEntire at the 50th annual CMA Awards on November 2, 2016, in Nashville, Tennessee. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She credited having a great support system, including wonderful nannies, for helping her balance motherhood and her career. Shelby\u2019s father also played an important role in his life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHis daddy did a great job too,\u201d Reba admitted<\/a>. Shelby has publicly expressed gratitude for his father\u2019s influence, sharing<\/a>, \u201c#happyfathersday to this guy! Words can\u2019t describe how much I love you and how much you have impacted my life. Thank you for everything!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sadly, Reba and Narvel\u2019s relationship did not have a fairytale ending. After 26 years of marriage, the couple divorced in 2015. She later revealed<\/a>, \u201cThe divorce was not my idea. I didn\u2019t want it in any shape, form, or fashion.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Reba<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Reba McEntyre and Norvel Blackstock with their son at the 28th Annual Peoples Choice Awards on January 13, 2002, in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI just thought it was the best thing to take my marbles and go play somewhere else, is what daddy used to always say,\u201d she added<\/a>. Despite her heartbreak, she wanted everyone involved to find happiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leaning on her faith, she relied on daily prayer to help her move forward. She also found strength in her close-knit group of friends, family, and professional team, all of whom supported her through the transition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Reba<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Reba McEntire and Narvel Blackstock with their son at the premiere of \u201cA Walk To Remember\u201d on January 23, 2002, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nonetheless, things took a turn for the better for Reba, who shared<\/a> in December 2023, \u201cI\u2019m happy, I\u2019m in love. My kids are all healthy. My family\u2019s healthy. So I\u2019m happy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Reba<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Reba McEntire onstage during Variety\u2019s Hitmakers Brunch on December 7, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From raising her son with strong values to celebrating his milestone wedding, Reba has remained a devoted mother through every chapter of his life. As Shelby and Marissa build their future together, the singer\u2019s unwavering love and influence will always be a guiding force.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Reba McEntire\u2019s only son found his happily ever after in a stunning Disney World wedding. The country music icon shared a special dance with her […]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2374,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2373","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorised"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2373","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2373"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2373\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2375,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2373\/revisions\/2375"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2374"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2373"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2373"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2373"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}