Reba McEntire's Ex-Husband: A Look At Narvel Blackstock And Their Shared History
For many people who follow country music, the name Reba McEntire brings to mind an incredible talent, a true legend of the stage. Her personal life, very much like her career, has seen its share of significant moments. One such important chapter involves her former husband, Narvel Blackstock, a man who played a big part in her life, both personally and professionally. So, it's almost natural to wonder about the person who stood beside her for so many years.
Their story together spanned a good portion of her career, and for a long time, they were a very recognizable pair. This article aims to shed some light on Narvel Blackstock himself, and to explore the connection he had with Reba McEntire. We'll look at the length of their marriage, some of the details surrounding their split, and what happened for him after their relationship came to an end. It's a look at a relationship that, you know, really shaped a lot of things.
It can be quite interesting to learn about the people behind the scenes, especially when they are so closely tied to a public figure like Reba. Their connection went beyond just being husband and wife; Narvel was, in fact, quite involved in her professional world too. We will get into all the known details about their shared past, and just a little about his life before and after Reba. This information comes directly from what we know about their time together, offering a clear picture of their story.
Table of Contents
- Narvel Blackstock: A Brief Personal Glimpse
- Narvel Blackstock: Personal Details and Bio Data
- The Marriage to Reba McEntire: A Long Partnership
- The End of an Era: Reba and Narvel's Divorce
- Life After Reba: Narvel's New Beginning
- Family Ties: Shelby Blackstock and Marissa
- Frequently Asked Questions About Reba McEntire's Ex-Husband
- A Look Back at Their Time Together
Narvel Blackstock: A Brief Personal Glimpse
Before his very public marriage to Reba McEntire, Narvel Blackstock had a life that included another significant relationship. It's often helpful, you know, to understand someone's background to get a fuller picture of their life. He was, as a matter of fact, married to Gayle Ritter. This first marriage lasted for a good while, spanning about 15 years.
That particular union began in 1973, which means he had a family life and personal experiences long before he met Reba. It’s pretty typical for people to have different chapters in their lives, and this was certainly a big one for him. The couple, unfortunately, decided to go their separate ways after those 15 years. This just goes to show, in a way, that relationships can be quite complex, and sometimes they just don't work out.
Narvel Blackstock, it seems, was a person known for his professional endeavors, too. While the specific details of these works aren't always widely talked about, his connection to the music business, especially with Reba, suggests a significant role. He was, arguably, a key player behind the scenes, helping to shape careers and manage projects. This aspect of his life, you know, probably influenced a lot of his decisions and his path.
Narvel Blackstock: Personal Details and Bio Data
Full Name | Narvel Blackstock |
Known For | His professional works, including managing and producing, and his marriage to Reba McEntire. |
First Marriage | Married to Gayle Ritter (1973; divorced after 15 years) |
Second Marriage | Married to Reba McEntire (1989-2015) |
Third Marriage | Married to Laura Stroud |
Children | Shelby Blackstock (with Reba McEntire), and others from previous marriage. |
The Marriage to Reba McEntire: A Long Partnership
The relationship between Reba McEntire and Narvel Blackstock was, quite frankly, a really long one, stretching over more than three decades in total. They were married in 1989, and this partnership lasted for a significant period of time, all the way until 2015. That's a good 26 years of marriage, which, you know, is a substantial commitment in anyone's book, especially in the public eye.
During their time together, Narvel Blackstock was not just Reba's husband; he was also very much involved in her career. He was known for his professional contributions, which often included managing her affairs and helping with her music. This kind of arrangement, where spouses also work together so closely, can be, like, both a blessing and a challenge. It means they shared a lot of their lives, both at home and on the job.
Their connection was, in some respects, quite public, given Reba's fame. Fans and followers saw them as a solid pair for many, many years. The longevity of their marriage, nearly three decades if you count their full relationship, really speaks to a deep connection they once had. It's a pretty long time to share so much, both personal moments and professional milestones, wouldn't you say?
The End of an Era: Reba and Narvel's Divorce
After 26 years of marriage, Reba McEntire and Narvel Blackstock made the difficult decision to divorce. This news, you know, came as a surprise to many who had followed their story for so long. The end of such a long-standing union is, naturally, a big event, not just for the people involved but also for those who looked up to them as a couple.
When a marriage like theirs comes to an end, there are often many practical matters to sort out. One of these things was their shared home. After the couple divorced, they wound up selling the home they had together. This is a fairly common step for people separating after many years, as it helps to, you know, divide assets and start fresh in a new way.
The process of divorce can be, really, quite a significant life change, and it affects everyone involved. For Reba and Narvel, it meant reshaping their personal lives and also their professional arrangement. It's a testament to how much things can shift, even after sharing so much history. This period marked a distinct turning point for both of them, truly, moving forward on different paths.
Life After Reba: Narvel's New Beginning
Following his divorce from Reba McEntire, Narvel Blackstock, it seems, moved on fairly quickly to a new relationship. He began dating an old friend of theirs, a person named Laura Stroud. This development was, arguably, something that caught some people by surprise, given the relatively short time since his long marriage had ended. It shows that life, you know, keeps moving forward for everyone.
Narvel and Laura Stroud eventually decided to take their relationship to the next level. They got married, marking a new chapter for Narvel. The event was, apparently, celebrated, and details about it were shared by family members. Marissa, who is married to Narvel and Reba's son, Shelby Blackstock, shared some insights into the occasion. She, like, really gave a glimpse into the happy day.
Marissa, in fact, shared video clips and photos from the event, including a very sweet moment: Narvel and Laura’s first kiss as husband and wife. This public sharing of such a personal moment allows people to see a bit of the happiness surrounding their new union. It really highlights, you know, that life goes on, and new connections can form, even after a long and significant past relationship.
Family Ties: Shelby Blackstock and Marissa
Even though Reba McEntire and Narvel Blackstock went their separate ways, they still share a very important connection: their son, Shelby Blackstock. Shelby is, of course, a grown man now, and he has his own family. He is married to Marissa, and she is, you know, a part of the extended family network that still exists despite the divorce of his parents.
Marissa plays a role in keeping some of these family connections visible, especially through her social media presence. It was Marissa, for instance, who shared details about Narvel's marriage to Laura Stroud. She provided video clips and photos of the event, including that special moment of Narvel and Laura’s first kiss as husband and wife. This act, basically, brings some of these private family moments into public view.
The existence of Shelby and his wife Marissa means that Reba and Narvel will always be linked through their shared child and grandchildren. It’s a common thread that, you know, continues to tie families together, even when the original partnership changes. This enduring family bond is, arguably, a very human aspect of their story, showing how relationships evolve over time but some connections remain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reba McEntire's Ex-Husband
Who was Reba McEntire married to for 26 years?
Reba McEntire was married to Narvel Blackstock for 26 years. Their marriage lasted from 1989 until 2015. This was, like, a really significant period in her life and career, spanning a good portion of her time in the public eye. They were, you know, a very well-known couple for a long time.
What happened to Reba McEntire and Narvel Blackstock after their divorce?
After their divorce in 2015, Reba McEntire and Narvel Blackstock both moved forward with their lives. They wound up selling the home they shared. Narvel Blackstock, pretty quickly, started dating their old friend Laura Stroud, and they later got married. Reba, too, has gone on to pursue other relationships and continue her very successful career. It's, you know, how things sometimes go after a long partnership ends.
Did Narvel Blackstock have another marriage before Reba McEntire?
Yes, Narvel Blackstock was, in fact, married before Reba McEntire. He married Gayle Ritter in 1973. That particular marriage lasted for about 15 years before they divorced. This was, basically, a chapter in his life that happened well before his relationship with Reba began, showing he had a personal history before their famous union.
A Look Back at Their Time Together
The story of Reba McEntire and her former husband, Narvel Blackstock, is one that spanned a very considerable amount of time. Their relationship, from its beginnings to its conclusion, covered more than three decades. It shows how personal lives can be so deeply intertwined with public careers, especially for someone as famous as Reba. Their time together was, in a way, a defining period for both of them, and for many fans who followed Reba's journey. It's a pretty interesting look at how relationships can change and adapt over the years, or sometimes, you know, come to a natural end.
Even though their marriage ended, the impact of their shared history, both personal and professional, remains a part of Reba's story. Narvel's role, particularly in her career, was quite significant, and their union produced a son, Shelby, who continues to be a link between them. It’s a classic example of how life, with all its turns, keeps moving. You can learn more about Reba McEntire's incredible career on our site, and perhaps link to this page for more details on celebrity relationships that shaped their public image.

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