Reba McEntire and her manager husband Narvel Blackstock have announced the end of their 26 year marriage. In a joint statement posted on Reba's website this week, the longterm couple confirmed that they "have been separated for the past few months"."Despite this being the end of their marriage, they continue to support each other," the message continued. "They have worked together for 35 years and will continue to do so. They have asked that you respect their privacy during this time."
Reba McEntire and Narvel Blackstock have ended their 26 year marriage
Reba and Narvel married on a boat on Lake Tahoe in 1989, with the country singer discovering upon her return from honeymoon that she was pregnant. Son Shelby, their only child together, is a successful Indy race car driver.Narvel also has three other children from a previous marriage – including Brandon Blackstock, who is married to Kelly Clarkson. Narvel, 58, runs the management company that represents Reba, Kelly and Blake Shelton.Multi-platinum artist Reba, 60, has had an incredible career that spans music, TV, film and theatre, and she remains one of country's most popular stars. Her latest album Love Someday was released in April and she is currently in the midst of a residency with Brooks & Dunn at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
Reba and Narvel with his son Brandon Blackstock and daughter-in-law Kelly Clarkson
Reba and Narvel are the third music power couple to split in the past two weeks. On 20 July, Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert announced the end of their four year marriage – with their divorce finalised just hours after they went public with the news. "This is not the future we environed and it is with heavy hearts that we move separately," they told fans.Then, on 3 August, Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale confirmed that they were divorcing after 20 years together and almost 13 years of marriage. "While the two of us have come to the mutual decision that we will no longer be partners in marriage, we remain partners in parenthood and are committed to jointly raising our three sons in a happy and healthy environment," the couple said in a statement.