Reba McEntire: Country Queen, Fierce Mom, and Her Heart-Stopping Moments Watching Son Shelby Race

There’s no denying Reba McEntire’s legendary toughness—whether she’s commanding the stage, coaching hopefuls on The Voice, or lighting up the screen in Happy’s Place, the country superstar is the very definition of resilience. But even the strongest hearts have their soft spots, and for Reba, nothing gets her pulse racing like watching her only son, Shelby Blackstock, tear up the track.

A Mother’s Nerves at 200 MPH

Shelby, now making waves in the construction world, spent years as a successful race car driver. And while Reba has always been his biggest fan, she admits that cheering him on from the stands is no walk in the park. Recalling her first time watching Shelby compete at the iconic Daytona Speedway, Reba confessed on The Rachael Ray Show that the experience nearly floored her: “They drop that green flag and here they come racing around—and I was sitting there filming him. And all I could see was his car and then underneath the helmet was this little bitty baby face. It just broke my heart!”

The country icon was so overwhelmed, she nearly fainted, needing a moment to collect herself before she could watch the rest of the race. “Hits your heart,” she said, summing up the rollercoaster of emotions only a mother can know.

A Bond Built on Tough Love and Board Games

Off the track, Reba and Shelby share an unbreakable bond, and the love goes both ways. On Mother’s Day 2025, Shelby took to Instagram to honor his mom: “Your love, strength, and wisdom shaped me—and I’m forever thankful. Love you always.” Even his wife, Marissa, chimed in with a playful jab about Reba’s competitive streak at family board games: “Happy Mothers Day, @reba—even though you never let us win at Skyjo. Or Rummikub… or Phase 10…”

Reba’s competitive spirit isn’t just for fun—it’s part of her parenting philosophy. “When we would play games or cards, I’d never let Shelby win,” she told People. “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.’”

A Mama’s Pride

Clearly, her approach worked. Shelby is humble, grateful, and never misses a chance to celebrate his mom. From the racetrack to the card table, Reba McEntire proves that even the toughest stars have the biggest hearts—and for her, nothing beats being Shelby’s mom.