by “Thank You for Loving Each Other” — Reba McEntire’s Son Sings at Parents’ Wedding, Moves Entire Crowd to Tears
It was supposed to be a quiet, heartfelt celebration on a sunny afternoon at Reba McEntire’s family farm—a private wedding between the country music icon and longtime partner Rex Linn. But what happened in the middle of the ceremony turned that already emotional day into something truly unforgettable.
As Reba and Rex stood hand in hand beneath a floral arch framed by the rolling hills of Tennessee, their only child—Shelby Blackstock—unexpectedly stepped forward. Clutching a simple microphone, the former professional race car driver cleared his throat and addressed the stunned guests.
“I never thought I’d sing in front of anyone,” Shelby began, voice trembling with emotion, “but today isn’t about perfect notes. It’s about honoring two people who taught me what love means.”
Then, to the soft strumming of an acoustic guitar hidden behind the altar, Shelby began to sing “Forever Like That” by Ben Rector—a song he had secretly practiced for weeks leading up to this moment.
From the very first verse, the atmosphere shifted. Guests were seen holding their breath, tissues already in hand. Reba, known for her commanding stage presence and unshakable grace, immediately turned away, one hand covering her mouth as her eyes welled up with tears. Rex squeezed her hand tightly, visibly moved as well.
As Shelby sang, “I believe in love, and I believe in grace,” his voice cracked ever so slightly—not from nerves, but from the overwhelming love he felt for his parents. By the time he reached the chorus, the guests couldn’t hold it in. Sniffles filled the air. Some embraced their partners. Others just stood silently, crying as the setting sun cast a golden hue over the moment.
What made it even more touching was that Shelby had never performed in public. “This was never about me,” he told guests later. “It was about giving my mom and Rex a gift they could carry forever in their hearts.”
When the song ended, Reba rose from her seat and wrapped her arms around her son, tears streaming freely down her cheeks. “You just gave me the most beautiful wedding gift I could ever imagine,” she whispered. Rex joined the hug, his voice breaking as he said, “That’s our boy.”
But the surprises weren’t over.
As the evening drew to a close, with string lights twinkling above and champagne flutes raised in toasts, Shelby returned to the microphone one last time. This time, he didn’t sing. Instead, he turned to Rex and said with a warm smile, “Thank you for making my mom happy. You’re not just joining her life—you’re joining ours. And I couldn’t ask for a better man to call family.”
The final image of the night was not of music or dancing, but of unity: a mother, her new husband, and her son—arms entwined beneath a sky full of stars.
In that moment, the farm wasn’t just a wedding venue—it was home. And for everyone present, it was clear: love had come full circle.
