Country music icon Reba McEntire took fans on a trip down memory lane when she shared never-before-seen photos of her and her son, Shelby Blackstock, to honor him on his 36th birthday on Feb. 23.
McEntire’s snapshots featured a touching tribute to her son throughout the years — from sweet baby photos and cherished childhood moments to proud shots of him all grown up, suited in his racing gear as an American racecar driver.
Reba McEntire Shares Heartwarming Tribute to Son Shelby Blackstock on His 36th Birthday
Reba McEntire celebrated her son, Shelby Blackstock’s, 36th birthday with a touching tribute of rarely seen photographs of mother and son throughout the years.
Taking to Instagram, McEntire began her carousel with a tender throwback of her cradling her baby boy, wrapped snugly in a white towel. The next image featured a polished professional portrait of McEntire beaming beside her son, who looked to be around five or six years old, both flashing wide smiles at the camera.
A third snapshot captured another sweet childhood moment, with McEntire in a floral dress and sunhat as she held her young son, who sported a colorful cap. The final slide brought fans to the present day, showing a grown-up Blackstock in his racecar gear, proudly posing alongside his mom at one of his races, a full-circle moment from baby boy to accomplished driver.
“Seems like yesterday when our journey started together. Happy Birthday, Shelby! Love you with all my heart,” McEntire captioned her post.
How McEntire Made Sure Her Son Didn’t Grow up ‘Spoiled’
GettyMcEntire welcomed her son with her second husband, Narvel Blackstock, in 1990. The couple ultimately separated in 2015, after 26 years of marriage.
Speaking to People in 2022, the country icon shared how she made sure to raise her son with strong values and hard work, and intentionally ensured he didn’t grow up feeling entitled because of her immense fame.
“When we would play games or cards, I’d never let Shelby win. He wouldn’t have learned anything that way. I always told Shelby, ‘I’ll always love you, but I want other people to like you. So don’t be a little jerk. Don’t be a spoiled brat,'” she shared.
In the ’90s, at the height of her music career, McEntire often brought her son along on tour, showcasing that she did everything she could to be with him.
“I had the best nannies, and I took him on the road with me. When I couldn’t, I would fly home after a concert, get him up in the morning, take him to school and pick him up. We’d play until I had to fly out again for a concert that night. I wanted to be with Shelby. Still do,” she said.
Love Reba. If Dolly had a daughter it would be Reba.