Sophia Michaels
Reba McEntire’s romantic life has seen its fair share of ups and downs. She wed at a young age during the 1970s, but her dedication to her music career took precedence over her husband Charlie Battles’ ambitions. As her popularity soared, tensions arose in their relationship, leading to her first Grammy win just before their marriage ended. McEntire decided to leave when Battles became controlling, moving from Oklahoma to Tennessee to pursue her music dreams.
Post-divorce in 1987, she began dating her manager, Narvel Blackstock, and the two married in 1989. Blackstock supported her career and fathered her only child over 26 years of marriage. However, their unexpected divorce in 2015 shocked fans, particularly because McEntire indicated it was due to their changing dynamics. Blackstock later married a friend of McEntire’s, which may have added strain to their marriage. McEntire herself had a two-year relationship with Anthony “Skeeter” Lasuzzo before rekindling a closeness with Rex Linn during the pandemic, remaining open to the possibility of marriage again with him while balancing her career successfully.
Reba McEntire prioritized her career over her first marriage
At just 21, Reba McEntire entered her first marriage in 1976, tying the knot with Charlie Battles, who was ten years her senior. Their differing schedules proved challenging, but McEntire cherished their time together, stating, “I loved Charlie with all my heart.” Shortly afterward, her career began to flourish with an album release and a hit single. However, her rising fame created friction in their relationship. Despite her efforts to balance work and home life, her success strained their bond, leading to a point where she had to choose between her marriage and music. McEntire ultimately opted for her career, resulting in their divorce in 1987.
Reba McEntire’s swift move to a new relationship with Narvel Blackstock
Just under two years after her split from Battles, Reba McEntire wed Narvel Blackstock, whom she had worked with since the early 1980s. After Blackstock’s divorce in 1988, the couple quickly established a romantic relationship and married in Lake Tahoe in June 1989. Their son, Shelby, was born eight months later.
McEntire felt confident in both her personal and professional life with Blackstock. His involvement in her career proved beneficial, as he guided her decisions with trust and care. They built a successful partnership through their company Starstruck Entertainment, expanding her career into acting in the 1990s. This combination of love and trust paved the way for McEntire’s success, leading to her appearance on the sitcom “Reba,” which premiered in 2001.
However, the balance of their professional and personal lives was complex, yet they managed to thrive together for years.
Reba and Blackstock’s Marriage Ends Amidst Infidelity
Reba McEntire and Narvel Blackstock had a successful partnership spanning over two decades, but everything changed in the mid-2010s. By January 2016, just months after their split was announced, it became public that Blackstock had started a new relationship with Laura Putty Stroud, a close friend of Reba’s. Sources revealed their relationship was quite serious, although the timeline of its beginnings remained unclear.
Reba has never publicly commented on Stroud’s involvement in her marriage’s dissolution but expressed her shock at her husband’s departure, emphasizing that the divorce was not her choice. She conveyed her hope for happiness in both their lives despite the heartbreak, acknowledging that Blackstock’s dissatisfaction in their marriage ultimately meant he needed to move forward.
The fallout from their breakup dramatically altered Reba’s professional life as well. She had to take over the management of her own career, an adjustment she had not anticipated but eventually accepted as part of life’s unpredictability.
Reba’s Romance with Skeeter Lasuzzo
After her divorce from Narvel Blackstock, Reba McEntire began seeing Anthony “Skeeter” Lasuzzo. The two met during a tour in August 2017, thanks to mutual friend Kix Brooks. Initially, Reba was not looking for a relationship, but Skeeter’s charm won her over with his nature photography and knowledge of local wildlife, leading to memorable outings together.
Their relationship blossomed, and they made several public appearances, including a red carpet event at the Grammy Awards in January 2018. Reba expressed genuine affection for Skeeter and described their relationship as loving. However, by May 2019, the couple had split, marking the end of their two-year romance.
Reba Discovers New Love with Rex Linn
Reba McEntire did not remain single for long after her split with Skeeter Lasuzzo, as she began dating actor Rex Linn in early 2020. Their friendship dates back to their work together on the 1991 film “The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw,” and they reconnected when Reba guest-starred on “Young Sheldon.” Their rapport quickly deepened during the pandemic, growing from casual dinner outings to regular communication.
The couple created playful nicknames for each other, which reflected their affectionate dynamic. They enjoyed each other’s company and reignited a long-time friendship into a romantic relationship, showcasing the joy and connection they found in one another amid challenging times.
