Former “The Voice” coach Reba McEntire celebrated Mother’s Day by sharing a rare throwback photo of herself holding her newborn son, Shelby Blackstock. McEntire became a first-time mom on February 23, 1990, welcoming Shelby with her ex-husband, Narvel Blackstock.
McEntire has often spoken about motherhood and the importance of raising her son with humility and strong values, making sure he grew up grounded and hardworking despite having a country music superstar as his mom.
Reba McEntire Shares Sweet Throwback Photo With Her Son, Shelby Blackstock
Reba McEntire proudly shared a rare throwback photo celebrating the moment she became a mom. Taking to Instagram for Mother’s Day, the country legend posted a sweet snapshot from the 1990s showing her backstage at a performance while lovingly cradling her young son in her arms.
A second, more current photo showed Shelby Blackstock smiling next to his famous mom after her appearance on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.”
“He made me a mother 36 years ago and he’s been backstage with me ever since! Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there ❤️,” she captioned the photos.
McEntire’s comment section was quickly filled with fans wishing her a Happy Mother’s Day and loving the darling throwback photo. “Omg what an iconic photo,” a comment read. “Way to rock the hair “Mama Reba!” Another read.
McEntire Reflects on Raising Her Son to Not Be a ‘Spoiled Brat’
GettyDespite her massive fame, McEntire made it her mission to raise her son as normal and grounded as possible and away from a sense of entitlement.
Speaking to People, she shared, “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.'”
The singer did a fantastic job raising Shelby when she added to the outlet: “A lot of people have told me you would never know [he] had been blessed with the life he was given.”
McEntire gave birth to her son at a time when she was already massively successful in country music. However, she still made time for Shelby, even taking him on tour with her, as she just reminded fans in her Mother’s Day throwback photo.
“I had the best nannies, and I took him on the road with me,” she said, adding, “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.”
Besides Shelby, McEntire was already a stepmom to two children from her first marriage to steer wrestler Charlie Battles. Their marriage ended in 1987 after 11 years.
In 1989, McEntire married Narvel Blackstock and welcomed Shelby a year later. She also became a stepmother to his three children from a previous marriage, including Brandon Blackstock, the ex-husband of Kelly Clarkson, who sadly died in August 2025 after a battle with cancer.
