Reba McEntire Beams With Pride as Son Shelby Takes to the Skies for His First Solo Flight
“He’s Not My Newborn Anymore.”
Reba McEntire has a new reason to smile — and this time, it’s not a hit song or an award show. Her son, Shelby Blackstock, just reached an incredible milestone: completing his first-ever solo flight as a pilot.
The country music legend shared the exciting moment on social media, posting two photos side by side — one of her cradling Shelby as a baby, and another of him now, proudly standing beside the aircraft he flew alone.
Overlaying the images were the words:
“Turned around to check on you, and realized you’re not my newborn anymore.”
In her caption, Reba sweetly added:
“Safe to say, he’s gonna fly. So proud of Shelby for taking his first solo flight!”
Fans Celebrate Shelby’s Soaring Achievement
The comments quickly filled with congratulations and nostalgia, as fans of Reba — many of whom remember when Shelby was born — shared in her joy.
“Congrats, Shelby! The first solo’s the toughest. Jets are next!”
“I remember when he was born! I was ten and we were so excited for you!”
“What an incredible moment! You must be so proud!”
Shelby: Reba’s Only Child and Forever Inspiration
Shelby Steven McEntire Blackstock, born in 1990, is Reba’s only child with her ex-husband Narvel Blackstock. The couple married in 1989 and were together for 26 years before parting ways in 2015. Despite the split, Reba has always spoken proudly of Shelby, who has pursued a career in racing and now, aviation.
A Sweet Nod to Her 2005 Ballad “You’re Gonna Be”
Fans couldn’t help but notice the poetic connection to Reba’s 2005 song “You’re Gonna Be,” a heartfelt track about a mother’s unconditional love and belief in her child’s future.
“You’re gonna fly with every dream you chase…” the song goes — and now, those lyrics feel more literal than ever.
Who would’ve thought, nearly two decades later, Reba would be watching her son actually take flight, not just metaphorically, but with wings?
A Full-Circle Moment for a Country Queen and Her Son
From lullabies to liftoff, Reba’s journey with Shelby has been one of love, growth, and now, celebration. And as she cheers him on from the ground, one thing’s for certain: he may be flying solo — but he’ll always carry his mama’s pride with him.
