Reba McEntire Celebrates Son Shelby Blackstock's 36th Birthday with Sweet Throwback Pics

The "I'm a Survivor" singer shares Blackstock with her ex-husband Narvel Blackstock.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Reba McEntire is sharing sweet throwback photos of her son Shelby Blackstock for his 36th birthday. On Feb. 23, the "Fancy" musician shared a tribute on Instagram to her son, including photos of them together when Blackstock was a toddler and a baby. McEntire called Blackstock, a NASCAR driver, a "gift from God" and said their "journey started together" 36 years ago.

Why it matters

McEntire has been open about her close relationship with her son Shelby, who she shares with her ex-husband Narvel Blackstock. This birthday tribute highlights the strong bond between the mother and son, as well as McEntire's gratitude for her family.

The details

The photos McEntire shared show her and Shelby Blackstock posing for a portrait when he was a toddler, her holding him as a baby wrapped in a towel after a bath, and the two of them at a NASCAR event. McEntire called Blackstock, a NASCAR driver, a "gift from God" and said their "journey started together" 36 years ago when he was born, one year after her 1989 wedding to Narvel Blackstock. The couple were married for 26 years before divorcing in 2015.

  • Shelby Blackstock was born in 1990, one year after Reba McEntire's 1989 wedding to Narvel Blackstock.
  • McEntire shared the birthday tribute photos on Instagram on February 23, 2026, for Shelby's 36th birthday.

The players

Reba McEntire

A country music singer known for hits like "Fancy" and "I'm a Survivor", and the mother of Shelby Blackstock.

Shelby Blackstock

Reba McEntire's 36-year-old son, who is a NASCAR driver and previously won the GT World Challenge America Overall Champion title.

Narvel Blackstock

Reba McEntire's ex-husband, with whom she shares her son Shelby Blackstock.

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The takeaway

This birthday tribute highlights the strong bond between Reba McEntire and her son Shelby, and McEntire's gratitude for her family, including her ex-husband Narvel Blackstock, with whom she shares Shelby. It shows the importance of family and cherishing special moments, even after divorce.