APPLETON, Wis. — Country music legend Reba McEntire is set to become a grandmother for the first time through her biological lineage, as her son Shelby Blackstock and his wife Marissa announced they are expecting a baby boy in October.
The couple shared the joyful news on Instagram on Tuesday, April 14, posting a series of photos from their celebration at Disney World in Florida. In the images, Shelby, 36, and Marissa, 33, posed in front of the iconic Cinderella Castle, holding up a baby onesie emblazoned with a sleeping Mickey Mouse and the Blackstock family name. Another photo captured the pair sharing a kiss while displaying a sonogram image.
“Oh, BOY! We’re beyond excited to FINALLY announce our little man is coming in October,” the couple wrote in their caption. “See ya real soon, pal! Mommy + Daddy love you! 🤟🏼.” The post highlighted their enthusiasm for the upcoming arrival, tying into their shared love for Disney, where they exchanged vows in February 2022 after getting engaged in 2020.
Disney World holds special significance for Marissa, who explained its personal importance in a 2022 interview with People magazine. “My mom worked there when she was younger, managing the Small World ride. It was my Nana’s favorite. She 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,” Marissa said. She added, “To this day, one of my most cherished photos features the two of us on Small World. Shelby and I first visited Disney World together six years ago — the first time I had been back since my grandmother passed. We rode Small World in her memory, which was really moving for both of us.”
For McEntire, 71, this grandchild marks a milestone, as it will be her first biological one, according to reports from Us Weekly. The Grammy-winning artist has long embraced her extended family, including stepchildren and their offspring from previous relationships. McEntire shares Shelby with her ex-husband Narvel Blackstock, to whom she was married from 1989 until their divorce in 2015. Narvel also has three children from his earlier marriage to Elisa Ritter: Brandon, Shawna, and Chassidy.
Tragically, Brandon Blackstock passed away in August 2025 at the age of 48 after a prolonged battle with melanoma, as reported in related coverage. Before his death, Brandon was married to singer Kelly Clarkson from 2013 to 2022, and the couple shared two children: daughter River Rose, now 11, and son Remy, now 10. Clarkson has spoken warmly about McEntire's role in their family. During the Kennedy Center Honors in 2018, Clarkson described McEntire as “a really rad grandma for my kids.”
Clarkson, 43, elaborated on her admiration for the country star, saying, “If we’re all being honest, sometimes when we meet our heroes it doesn’t always pan out how you hope. But meeting Reba, being friends with her, and eventually becoming family has been one of the highlights of my life.” This sentiment underscores the close-knit dynamics within McEntire's blended family, which she has publicly affirmed over the years.
In a 2010 interview with The Boot, McEntire clarified her view on her family structure, stating, “I don’t consider Brandon, Chassidy and Shawna stepchildren. I claim them all.” This inclusive approach has been a hallmark of her personal life, extending back to her first marriage to Charlie Battles from 1976 to 1987. Battles, who died in 2013, was the father of sons Coty and Lance, making McEntire a stepmother early in her career.
McEntire's journey into family life has paralleled her rise to stardom in country music. Born in 1955 in McAlester, Oklahoma, she broke through with hits like “Fancy” and “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” in the 1970s and 1980s. Her television ventures, including the sitcom Reba, which aired from 2001 to 2007, further cemented her status as a beloved figure. Throughout her career, McEntire has balanced professional accolades— including multiple Grammy Awards—with her commitments to family.
The announcement of Shelby and Marissa's pregnancy comes at a time when McEntire continues to thrive professionally. In recent years, she has starred in Broadway productions, hosted the ACM Awards, and released new music. Her role on the NBC series The Voice as a coach has also kept her in the spotlight. Fans have long appreciated how McEntire weaves personal stories into her public persona, often sharing glimpses of her family life through social media and interviews.
Shelby Blackstock, a race car driver and entrepreneur, has largely stayed out of the Hollywood glare compared to his mother. Born in 1988, he pursued interests in motorsports, competing in events like the Indy Lights series. His marriage to Marissa, a former schoolteacher, has been a source of stability, with the couple frequently documenting their adventures, including Disney trips, on social platforms. Their decision to announce the pregnancy at the theme park aligns with this tradition, blending personal milestones with nostalgic elements.
While details about the pregnancy remain private beyond the due date and gender reveal, the couple's post suggests a healthy excitement. Medical experts generally advise expectant parents to share information at their discretion, but the Blackstocks' public disclosure has sparked congratulations from fans and celebrities alike. Comments on their Instagram post flooded in, with messages of support highlighting the universal appeal of such family news.
McEntire has not yet issued a public statement on the announcement, but sources close to the family indicate she is thrilled. Given her history of doting on grandchildren from her stepchildren—such as River and Remy—this new addition is expected to bring even more joy. Clarkson, for instance, has credited McEntire with providing unwavering support during family challenges, including the difficult period following Brandon's illness.
The broader context of McEntire's family includes navigating losses and changes. The death of Brandon in 2025 was a profound blow, prompting reflections on legacy and resilience in interviews and tributes. McEntire supported her stepson through his melanoma diagnosis, attending medical appointments and offering emotional backing, as detailed in Us Weekly reports. This backdrop adds emotional depth to the pregnancy news, symbolizing renewal amid past sorrows.
Looking ahead, the arrival of Shelby and Marissa's son in October could inspire new chapters for the family. McEntire, ever the performer, might incorporate the event into her storytelling, perhaps through songs or on-stage anecdotes. For now, the focus remains on celebration, with Disney World serving as a fitting backdrop for a family rooted in magic and memory. As the due date approaches, anticipation builds for how this little one will fit into the legendary McEntire-Blackstock lineage.