Reba McEntire Reveals 'Scared to Death' After Divorce: 'I Threw a Fit'

Reba McEntire's Journey Through Divorce and Reinvention

Reba McEntire, a name synonymous with country music, has always been known for her powerful voice and resilient spirit. However, her personal life has also been marked by significant challenges, particularly her divorce from Narvel Blackstock in 2015. The 70-year-old singer shared candidly about how she navigated the emotional and practical hurdles of rebuilding her life after the end of their 26-year marriage.

Narvel was not only Reba’s husband but also her manager, a role that intertwined their professional and personal lives. Their relationship began in 1989 and lasted until 2015, during which they had a son, Shelby, in 1990. Narvel also has three other children from his first marriage, including his late son Brandon Blackstock, who was married to Kelly Clarkson until 2022 and passed away in August after a long battle with cancer.

Reba reflected on the impact of the divorce, stating, “My manager was my husband from 1989 to 2015. Everybody took care of everything. All I had to do was get up and sing.” When the relationship ended, it felt like losing a whole support system. “I was scared to death. I was deserted, abandoned, and left. I threw a fit,” she admitted.

Despite the emotional turmoil, Reba found strength in her friends and family. “Then there they were, my angels, right there beside me,” she said. They encouraged her, helping her learn new skills and regain confidence. “You didn’t know how much a gallon of milk was, now you do. Now get out there. You can do it. You're tough. We taught you better.”

The financial aspect of the divorce was also a shock. Narvel walked away with an eye-popping $47.5 million, a sum that caught Reba off guard. She emphasized that the divorce was not her idea. “I didn't want it in any shape, form or fashion. So it was really hard to make the adjustment,” she told CMT Radio Live a year after their split.

Despite the difficulties, Reba and Narvel maintained an amicable relationship. In a statement, they mentioned that they would continue to support each other, as they had worked together for 35 years and planned to do so in the future.

In 2024, Reba shared more insights into her divorce on The Drew Barrymore Show. She revealed that their relationship often revolved around business rather than personal connection. “I think it works for some people. They can be married or have a relationship and work together. Our work was all the time,” she explained. Their marriage, which started when Narvel was part of her band, transitioned into a managerial role before becoming a marital one. “Whether we were getting ready in the morning, pillow talk, whatever…it was business. Even when we were on vacation to recharge the batteries, about three days into a vacation, it was like, 'You know what we can do?'”

After the divorce, Reba focused on rebuilding her life. She turned her attention to her career and personal relationships, eventually finding love again with Rex Linn, her co-star on Happy’s Place. The couple recently got engaged and are reportedly very happy together.

Reba and Rex have been friends since the 1990s, but their relationship took a romantic turn in 2020 when Reba’s mother fell ill, and Rex stepped in to provide support. “We are best friends. We wanna cross the finish line with each other in a relationship,” Rex said, expressing his deep feelings for Reba.

Through her journey, Reba McEntire has shown incredible resilience and strength. Her story is a testament to the power of friendship, support, and the ability to reinvent oneself after life's challenges.