Narvel Blackstock's Spouses & Relationships: A Timeline

Sierra Emmerich 02 May 2025

Who is Narvel Blackstock, and why is his personal life perpetually in the headlines? Beyond the music industry connections and high-profile relationships, the story of Narvel Blackstock is a complex tapestry of marriages, divorces, and new beginnings, constantly attracting attention from both fans and the media alike.

The name Narvel Blackstock might not be as immediately recognizable as some of the stars he's associated with, yet his life has been intertwined with some of the biggest names in country music and beyond. Born Narvel Wayne Blackstock on August 31, 1956, in Tarrant County, Texas, USA, under the astrological sign of Virgo, he has carved a unique path through the entertainment world, primarily as a music producer and manager. However, it is his personal relationships, particularly his marriages and divorces, that have consistently captured the publics interest, transforming him into a figure known as much for his romantic entanglements as for his professional achievements.

Full Name	Narvel Wayne Blackstock
Date of Birth	August 31, 1956
Place of Birth	Tarrant County, Texas, USA
Birth Sign	Virgo
Profession	Music Producer, Manager
Known For	Former husband of Reba McEntire, professional connections within the country music industry, and his multiple marriages.
Marriages	Elisa Gayle Ritter (m. 1973-1988), Reba McEntire (m. 1989-2015), Laura Putty Stroud (current)
Children	Brandon Blackstock, Chassidy Blackstock, Shawna Blackstock, Shelby Blackstock
Associated With	Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, Shelby Blackstock, Marissa Branch
Reference Link	IMDB

Narvel Blackstock's romantic history paints a vivid picture of his life, filled with various phases and significant relationships. His first marriage was to Elisa Gayle Ritter, which took place on March 30, 1973, in a private ceremony. The union, however, didnt endure, and they divorced on March 31, 1988. This early chapter in his personal life set the stage for what would become a pattern of both enduring and short-lived relationships, each leaving a mark on his journey.

Perhaps his most well-known marriage was to country music icon Reba McEntire. They exchanged vows in 1989, embarking on a relationship that would last for 26 years. During their marriage, Blackstock managed McEntires career and played a crucial role in her professional success. The couple, who were prominent figures in the country music scene, became a symbol of strength and longevity in an industry known for its volatility. However, in 2015, the public was taken by surprise when Reba McEntire and Narvel Blackstock announced their divorce. The split sent shockwaves through the country music world and was widely covered by the media.

Following the divorce, Blackstock didnt wait long to move on. He began a new relationship with Laura Putty Stroud, a real estate agent who specializes in selling luxury properties. The relationship quickly became a subject of public interest, with speculation about a possible marriage soon after the divorce from Reba. Blackstock and Stroud reportedly made headlines in early 2016, fueling speculation about a quick engagement. In a remarkable turn of events, they did, in fact, eventually marry. Their union continues to be a point of interest for observers of Blackstock's personal life, solidifying his image as someone who embraces new chapters with characteristic enthusiasm.

The relationships of Narvel Blackstock extend beyond just his own marriages. His son, Shelby Blackstock, is married to Marissa Branch. This connection further intertwines Blackstocks life with the broader social circle of country music. Shelby and Marissa's lives are also documented in media and are the subject of public interest. Shelby and Marissa, who, according to reports, have chosen to reside in Nashville to be closer to family, are living proof of the tight-knit nature of family relationships, which emphasizes the complexities within the music industry.

The impact of Narvel Blackstock's relationships is seen even in celebrity friends and acquaintances. When Narvel Blackstock and Laura Putty Stroud eventually exchanged vows, the event was attended by none other than country music star Blake Shelton and his wife, Gwen Stefani, who officiated the ceremony. This presence underscores the close-knit nature of the country music industry, and it highlights the networks and friendships that form the backbone of this community. It's yet another testament to Blackstocks extensive network of relationships and his prominence within the celebrity community.

Narvel Blackstocks first marriage to Elisa Gayle Ritter occurred well before his high-profile marriage to Reba McEntire. They were married on March 30, 1973, in a private ceremony, but their union didn't endure, and they divorced on March 31, 1988. This early marriage provides context to Blackstocks full personal history, showing that he had multiple chapters of life, even before his highly publicized connections.

The fact that the divorce from Reba McEntire wasn't his first, further underscores the complex nature of his personal history. While the divorce from McEntire was highly publicized, his first marriage to Elisa Gayle Ritter, which ended in 1988, often remains in the shadow. This first marriage gave him three children; Brandon Blackstock, Chassidy Blackstock and Shawna Blackstock. Reba and Narvels son, Shelby Blackstock, with his wife Marissa, further highlights the intertwined lives of the Blackstock family. Together these layers combine to create a story that keeps the public captivated.

Narvel Blackstock and his current wife, Laura Putty Stroud, were seen together at the ceremony where Blake Shelton received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on May 12, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. This event marked a public appearance in their relationship and strengthened their position in the celebrity world. The continued presence of Narvel and his new wife in the spotlight demonstrates his ability to stay engaged with celebrity circles, as well as showing his life after his divorce. Their public appearances continue to be of interest to media and his fans.

Narvel Blackstocks life is far more than just a series of romantic relationships. It is also one of career, family, and continuous personal growth. The media constantly watches his every move, as they are intrigued by the interconnected world of country music and celebrity. Blackstock continues to live a life that is full of many facets and interests. His tale is a reminder that the human experience is made up of diverse experiences, from personal grief to new opportunities, which provide a look into a man's life who has been able to create a distinctive narrative.

The story of Narvel Blackstock offers a fascinating look into the intricate web of relationships, careers, and personal transformation within the entertainment world. His story is filled with several facets: from the highs of professional accomplishments to the lows of personal heartache, and all points in between. From his early marriage to Elisa Gayle Ritter to his long relationship with Reba McEntire and his new beginning with Laura Putty Stroud, each phase has revealed another layer of his story. As such, the narrative of Narvel Blackstock is a persistent reminder of how life is continuously changing and that it provides insights into a man whose life is very intriguing.