I guess I spoke too soon about love being somewhat alive in Hollywood (thanks to Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith not divorcing), because the Associated Press reports that Reba McEntire and Narvel Blackstock are separating after 26 years of marriage. The country singing megastar and her husband/manager (who is also the father of Kelly Clarkson's husband, Brandon Blackstock) released a joint statement Monday via Big Machine Label Group, which reads as follows:
Despite this being the end of their marriage, they continue to support each other. They have worked together for 35 years and will continue to do so. They have asked that you respect their privacy during this time.
Apparently, the couple has been separated for the past few months, but it remains unclear if they've filed for divorce. The AP reached out for comment, but a rep from Big Machine declined. The two married 1989 and have one son together, race car driver Shelby Blackstock. This was the second marriage for both McEntire and Blackstock.
This probably comes as a huge shock to fans of McEntire, who is known for many hit country songs and her role as the lead character on Reba. I'm sure many are sad to hear this news, but they deserve respect and privacy, because splitting after a long time together isn't easy.
