Reba McEntire’s Only Son Weds in a Magical Disney World Ceremony, Celebrating Love, Legacy, and a Mother’s Devotion

Country music icon Reba McEntire recently witnessed one of life’s most beautiful milestones—her only son, Shelby Blackstock, finding his forever love in a breathtaking wedding at Walt Disney World. The heartwarming celebration included a touching mother-son dance that underscored the deep bond between Reba and Shelby, a relationship nurtured by years of love, strength, and unwavering guidance.

Reba McEntire, a powerhouse in the world of country music, is celebrated for her soaring vocals and a career that has left a lasting mark on the entertainment industry. Yet, beyond the spotlights and accolades, her most treasured role has always been that of a mother. Her devotion to raising Shelby with discipline, humility, and heart has shaped not only the man he’s become but also the life choices he’s made.

Born in 1990 to Reba and her then-husband Narvel Blackstock, Shelby grew up surrounded by the energy of a high-profile career. Despite that, Reba worked tirelessly to provide a stable, grounded upbringing. Over the years, Shelby carved his own path—first as a professional race car driver and now as CEO of The Hartland. In 2022, he stepped into a new chapter of life: marriage.

On February 12, 2022, Shelby exchanged vows with his longtime love, Marissa Branch, in a fairytale wedding held at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Their story began in modern fashion—matching on Tinder in 2014. Although they didn’t start dating until two years later, the connection was instant and deep.

Reflecting on their relationship, the couple shared how their mutual friends had long believed they were perfect for each other. “It took us a while to realize what others already saw,” they said. “We weren’t in the right place emotionally when we first met, but once we grew, the love that had always been there finally found its moment.”

Marissa described their bond as an inexplicable sense of destiny—like meeting someone you’ve known forever. That magical feeling extended to their wedding location. The couple chose Disney’s Epcot and Magic Kingdom not just for the fantasy, but because of the sentimental value it held. Marissa’s mother once worked at Disney, and the Small World ride had a special place in her late grandmother’s heart.

“She passed when I was in middle school, and her loss was deeply painful,” Marissa shared. During their early visits to Disney as a couple, they honored her memory by riding Small World together. It was also in Epcot that Shelby first told Marissa he loved her—and where he would later propose.

The wedding was a symphony of heartfelt moments and fairytale flair. Guests were treated to cocktails and dinner at the Epcot Rotunda Bistro, followed by a dazzling fireworks show at Italy Isola. The ceremony itself unfolded after hours at the Magic Kingdom, where Marissa walked down the aisle to “Tale as Old as Time” from Beauty and the Beast.

Shelby’s close friend, actor Tom Ellis, officiated the intimate ceremony. Rather than share their vows aloud, Shelby and Marissa exchanged their most personal words during a private “first look” moment before the celebration.

The bride honored her late grandmother in another deeply emotional way: flower girls walked down the aisle to “It’s a Small World,” prompting tears from Marissa’s mother. “Nana will be there with us in spirit,” she said.

The reception was no less magical. Guests dined on themed treats like Mickey and Minnie macarons, “the Grey Stuff” from Beauty and the Beast, and a wedding cake that featured 3D projection mapping with scenes of Tinkerbell and classic Disney weddings.

Marissa wore a stunning Galia Lahav gown for the ceremony and changed into a sleek Balmain dress for the reception, finishing her look with Christian Louboutin shoes. A cherished lace handkerchief gifted to her as a baby—the “Magic Hanky”—served as her something old and new. Jewelry borrowed from her mother and Reba completed the look.

Shelby wore a classic suit from Oak Hall, and their wedding bands were custom-designed by Vincent Peach. Their first dance was to Kacey Musgraves’ “Butterflies,” followed by an emotional mother-son dance to Reba’s own 2005 ballad, “You’re Gonna Be Always Loved by Me.”

Reba, full of pride and emotion, danced with her son as lyrics she had written years ago came to life in a new, deeply personal way. The moment symbolized more than celebration—it was a culmination of decades of love, sacrifice, and parenting.

After the ceremony, Marissa posted a heartfelt birthday tribute to her new mother-in-law: “Happy Birthday to my kind, beautiful, brilliant, and endlessly supportive mother-in-law @reba.”

The newlyweds postponed their honeymoon due to COVID restrictions but planned a warm getaway once travel was safer. In the meantime, they committed to continuing to “date each other,” finding joy in the little gestures—whether it was taking out the trash or planning surprise date nights.

Six months later, Marissa wrote on Instagram: “Six months as husband and wife—eternity to go. I love you 3000.” On their one-year anniversary, they quoted F. Scott Fitzgerald: “I love you—and that’s the beginning and end of everything.”

As they build their future together, both Shelby and Marissa are focused on partnership, family, and legacy. Shelby’s upbringing laid the foundation for that vision.

Reba raised her son with the same values she grew up with in Chockie, Oklahoma. “If you tell someone you’ll be there at 5, you show up at 5,” she once said. She didn’t coddle Shelby, even when it came to games. “I never let him win. He wouldn’t have learned anything that way.”

Her no-nonsense parenting style paid off. “People tell me all the time you’d never know Shelby had grown up in privilege,” Reba proudly shared.

Shelby went on to find success in racing, winning the GT World Challenge America Overall Championship in 2020. While Reba’s fame opened doors, Shelby forged his own way. “He had ADHD, he struggled to read, and now he’s reading ten books a year. He’s always improving,” she said.

For Reba, motherhood was transformative. “Shelby is a gift from God. Before him, I was more self-focused. But when you’re given this little soul to guide and love, everything changes.”

Despite her demanding career, she prioritized being present. Reba often brought Shelby on tour or flew home after late-night shows to take him to school the next morning. With support from trusted nannies and Narvel’s strong presence, Shelby thrived.

While Reba and Narvel eventually divorced in 2015 after 26 years, Reba leaned on her faith and inner strength to move forward. “The divorce wasn’t my choice,” she admitted. “But I wanted everyone involved to be happy.”

Now, with Shelby happily married and a new generation possibly on the horizon, Reba reflects with gratitude. “I’m happy, I’m in love, my family is healthy. Life is good.”

Through every challenge and triumph, Reba McEntire has remained a rock for her son. And as Shelby and Marissa embark on their journey together, Reba’s values and love will continue to echo through every chapter of their shared life.