Reba McEntire announces divorce on Facebook

A post on Facebook may have been the first Reba McEntire’s Wisconsin fans heard about her divorce to her longtime manager Narvel Blackstock. The couple had been separated for months when they officially announced the separation in August 2015, but they did not say at that time whether they planned to divorce. In her December post, McEntire said the divorce had been finalized in October.

The two had one son and were married for 26 years. McEntire said that they were still friends and that after 35 years of working together, they would continue to do so. Blackstock also manages Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton, among other acts. In addition to her long career in music, McEntire starred in the hit television sitcom “Reba” from 2001 to 2007.

In the statement that announced their separation in August, the couple had requested privacy. Announcing the divorce on Facebook, McEntire thanked people for their support.

Even splits that are not as public as that of McEntire and Blackstock can be emotionally difficult. They can also be costly and take a great deal of time. A person who is facing a divorce may want to contact an attorney to discuss the situation and the options. Sometimes, a couple may be able to work with their attorneys and reach an agreement about property division, support and child custody without turning to litigation. Settling out of court might lead to a more satisfactory outcome. However, in some cases, this is not possible, and in litigation, a judge will attempt to make the best decision possible with the information available. If children are involved, the judge will make custody and visitation determinations based on the child’s best interests.

Source: New York Daily News, “Reba McEntire, Narvel Blackstock officially divorce,” Peter Sblendorio, Dec. 20, 2015