American music manager Narvel Blackstock and his ex-wife Reba McEntire shocked the country music community when they announced their separation after 26 years as a married couple.

What was more shocking was the television producer started dating his ex-wife's close friend.

Blackstock Married McEntire in 1989

Blackstock began working with his present-day ex-wife Reba McEntire, an American country music singer, in 1980.

He was the steel guitar player in her band. Eventually, their friendship turned into a romantic relationship, which they valued for a very long time.

After nearly a decade-long relationship, the ex-pair finally exchanged marriage vows on June 3, 1989, on a boat during a private ceremony in Lake Tahoe. The following year, in February 1990, they welcomed their first son, Shelby Blackstock.

They Divorced After 26 Years of Marriage

Blackstock's ex-wife McEntire shocked Nashville and her fans when she announced she was splitting with her husband of 26 years on 3 August 2015. Their divorce was finalized a few months on October 28, 2015.

However, the divorce with the singer was the music producer's second experience of a failed marriage.

Previously, he was married to television producer Elisa Gayle Ritter with whom he shares three children: two daughters Shawna Rene and Chassidy Celeste Blackstock, and a son named Brandon Blackstock.

The ex-couple were married from March 30, 1973, to March 31, 1988.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Reba (@reba)

New Girlfriend is Ex-Wife's Friend

The music manager is dating a real estate agent, Laura Stroud, who happens to be one of his ex-wives McEntire's closest friends.

He and Stroud started their relationship not long after his divorce from his ex-wife McEntire in 2015.

Stroud, who sells luxury homes in Nashville, was often seen on McEntire's social media accounts, hinting at their close friendship. They attended a Katy Perry concert together in 2014 and even went to a party wearing colorful wigs.

Narvel’ ex-wife Reba and his new girlfriend, Laura with their male friend at Katy Perry concern in 2014

Narvel Blackstock's ex-wife Reba McEntire and his now-girlfriend, Laura Straud, with their male friend at Katy Perry concert in 2014 (Photo: Reba Mcentire’s Instagram)

Similarly, Stroud also joined McEntire at her son Shelly's car racing competition, for which McEntire thanked her for taking artsy racing photos.

Presently, Blackstock and his girlfriend have been enjoying their relationship, while it is unclear if they are already married or not. Despite his multiple relationships, his children have not objected to his personal life on a happy note.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Lpstroud (@lpstroud)

Blackstock's Ex-Wife Dated Anthony Lasuzzo after Divorce

After her divorce from Blackstock, McEntire started dating businessman and photographer Anthony Lasuzzo — they first met in 2017.

Fans of the singer first noticed the brewing love between the two after she posted the picture of them hiking together.

Their budding romance showed zero sign of slowing down when Valentine's Day lurked around the corner. She took to her Instagram to wish her fans a Happy Valentine's day in a post that featured her new beau.

However, they are no longer together in a relationship; they separated after dating for two years in May 2019.

We still talk and we’re friends but just decided to go our separate ways. - Reba told US Weekly

Helped Ex-Wife Pocket Multi-Million Net Worth

Blackstock, a Texas native, is a television producer and a former steel guitar player.

He and his ex-wife McEntire co-founded Starstruck Entertainment, the music company that subsequently managed Reba McEntire's country music career. 

His longstanding career has no doubt given him a wealth of assets. According to Celebrity Net Worth, his present net worth value is $50 million, whereas Reba owns a net worth of $95 million. 

Blackstock produced projects like Forever Love, Secret of Giving, Blake Shelton Live: It's All About Tonight, Blake Shelton's Not So Family Christmas, Malibu Country, and Kelly Clarkson's Cautionary Christmas Music Tale.

He also oversaw the career of pop singer Kelly Clarkson, his former daughter-in-law.

In September 2020, he sued Clarkson for millions for alleged unpaid fees. It happened amid the divorce proceedings between Kelly Clarkson and Blackstock's son Brandon Blackstock.