Reba McEntire – The Queen of Country Music Who’s Tough on Stage but Soft When It Comes to Her Son

Reba McEntire is a household name in country music. She’s a powerful coach on The Voice, the star of sitcom Happy’s Place, and an enduring icon in American entertainment. But behind all the glitz and strength, Reba is also a mother — one who’s not immune to emotional moments, especially when watching her son, Shelby Blackstock, race at high speed.

Although Shelby now works in construction, he once had a successful career as a professional race car driver. And his passion for racing once made even the strong-hearted Reba feel faint.

In a 2018 appearance on The Rachael Ray Show, Reba recalled her first time watching Shelby race at the Daytona Speedway:
“The green flag dropped, the cars started flying by, and I was filming him. All I could see was that little baby face under the helmet. It just broke my heart.”

Reba admitted she nearly passed out from a mix of pride and fear. “I had to sit down. Carolyn, my tour manager, came over and asked, ‘Are you okay?’ I said, ‘Give me a second,’” she remembered. “But I watched the rest of the race — it was okay. It really hits your heart.”

Although Shelby has since left racing, the bond between him and Reba remains stronger than ever. On Mother’s Day 2025, Shelby posted a heartfelt message on Instagram:
“Happy Mother’s Day to the best there is. Your love, strength, and wisdom shaped me—and I’m forever thankful. Love you always.”

His wife, Marissa, added playfully, “Happy Mother’s Day, @reba — even though you never let us win at Skyjo. Or Rummikub… or Phase 10…” Clearly, Reba’s competitive spirit extends to family game nights, too.

This approach is part of her parenting philosophy. She told People in 2022:
“When we would play games or cards, I’d never let Shelby win. He wouldn’t learn anything that way. I always told him, ‘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.’”

Her tough-love parenting clearly paid off — Shelby grew up humble, driven, and full of love for his mom.

Reba McEntire is more than just a music icon — she’s a living testament to the strength of maternal love, the balance between discipline and affection, and the heart of a woman who can be tough on the stage but tender at home.