Reba McEntire, the beloved music artist and actress known for her country roots, has always stayed true to herself. Growing up on a family ranch in Chockie, Oklahoma, Reba’s down-to-earth demeanor was shaped by her country lifestyle. She spent her free time playing in a family band and helping with the cattle, while her father and grandfather were decorated rodeo champs. Reba’s rural upbringing instilled in her certain values that she carries with her to this day.
“Mama and Daddy always said to me, ‘If you tell somebody you’re going to be somewhere at a certain time, you show up,’” Reba shared in a recent interview. “That’s the way I was raised.” This sense of reliability and integrity has guided her throughout her life and career.
In addition to her music success, Reba is also a proud mother to her son Shelby. When Shelby was born in 1990, Reba knew that raising a child as a celebrity would require special attention. She made some tough decisions and stuck to her beliefs. “When we would play games or cards, I’d never let Shelby win,” she admitted. “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.’”
Reba and her ex-husband, Narvel Blackstock, made it a priority to ensure that Shelby grew up respecting others and recognizing that he was no better than anyone else. “A lot of people have told me you would never know he had been blessed with the life he was given,” Reba proudly shared.
Being a mother changed Reba’s outlook on life as well. She admitted that she used to be more self-centered before having Shelby, but now her focus is on being there for him. She made a conscious effort to spend as much time as possible with him, even taking him on the road with her and flying home after concerts to be with him. Reba’s dedication to motherhood speaks volumes about her love and commitment to her son.
Reba is also open about Shelby’s journey with ADHD. Despite his initial struggles with reading, Shelby now avidly reads in his 30s, always striving to improve himself. Reba credits both herself and Narvel for doing a great job raising him. “Shelby is a gift from God to me,” Reba lovingly expressed. “We’re very close. I was a very self-centered person to a degree before Shelby. But then there’s a little character who you are given the job to protect and nurture and love and teach, so all the attention’s not on you anymore.”
Recently, Reba had another reason to be proud of Shelby – his marriage to his wife Marissa. The two tied the knot in a fairytale-like wedding at Walt Disney World. This joyous occasion further exemplifies the loving and supportive environment that Reba has worked hard to create for her son.
Reba McEntire’s parenting style is a testament to her devotion and determination to raise a respectful and grounded individual. Her down-to-earth nature and strong family values have shaped both her successful career and her son’s upbringing. Reba’s love for Shelby shines through, and she is a true inspiration to parents everywhere.
What do you think about Reba’s parenting style? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
