Reba McEntire is getting ready for a beautiful new family chapter. The country music icon’s son, Shelby Blackstock, and his wife, Marissa, are expecting their first child together — and now fans know the baby boy’s name.
According to Taste of Country, Shelby and Marissa revealed during their baby shower that they plan to name their son Archer. Photos from the celebration also suggested that “Archie” may be used as a sweet nickname. The baby is expected to arrive in October 2026.
For longtime Reba fans, the news is especially emotional. Shelby is Reba’s only biological child, which makes baby Archer her first biological grandchild.
A Baby Shower With a Perfect Music-Themed Twist
Shelby and Marissa did not choose an ordinary baby shower theme.
Instead, they leaned into the family’s country music roots with an “all-access” baby shower designed like a behind-the-scenes tour event. Guests received VIP-style passes celebrating Archer Blackstock’s “Welcome to the World” tour, which is set to begin in October 2026 — a playful nod to his expected due date month.
It was the kind of detail that made the celebration feel personal, clever and perfectly connected to the world Reba helped shape.
Instead of a traditional baby shower, the family created something that felt like a mini country music event for the newest member of the Blackstock family.
“Archie Blackstock: A Star Is Born”
One of the sweetest details from the party was a custom record plaque that guests were invited to sign.
The plaque read, “Archie Blackstock: A Star is Born,” adding even more weight to the idea that Archer may go by Archie within the family. Taste of Country also noted that one message on the plaque appeared to be signed by “Grandma Reba,” with the words, “We’re gonna have so much fun!”
For fans who have followed Reba for decades, that small note may be the most touching part of the whole story.
Reba has been many things to the world: a country legend, a television star, a businesswoman, a mentor and one of the most beloved voices in American music.
But now, she is preparing for a new title.
Grandma.
A Celebration Filled With Personal Details
The baby shower also included several thoughtful touches for Archer’s arrival.
Guests were reportedly asked to choose favorite songs to add to a playlist for baby Archer, making music part of his story before he is even born. Photos also showed mom-to-be Marissa posing with her baby bump in front of a red carpet-style backdrop decorated with blue, black and gold balloons, including one shaped like an electric guitar.
The cake kept the celebration simple and sweet, with blue lettering that read, “It’s a Boy!”
Together, the details painted a joyful picture: a young family preparing for a long-awaited baby boy, surrounded by music, love and excitement.
A Long Road to Parenthood
The baby shower was not only a cute family celebration. It also carried deeper meaning because Shelby and Marissa have been open about their difficult journey to becoming parents.
Taste of Country reported that the couple tried to have a baby naturally for a year before moving to medicated cycles and eventually IVF. Marissa has also shared that they suffered a pregnancy loss in December after finding out they were expecting for the first time following three years of trying.
That history makes Archer’s upcoming arrival even more emotional.
For Shelby and Marissa, this pregnancy is not just happy news. It represents patience, heartbreak, resilience and the hope that comes after a long season of waiting.
For Reba, it means watching her only biological child become a father after a road that was not easy.
Reba’s Blended Family Has Always Been Important to Her
Although Archer will be Reba’s first biological grandchild, family has always meant more to her than biology alone.
Shelby Blackstock is Reba’s only biological child, but she also has deep ties to her blended family. Taste of Country noted that Reba had a close relationship with Brandon Blackstock, Shelby’s older brother and the son of Reba’s ex-husband Narvel Blackstock. Brandon died in August 2025 at age 48 after a battle with skin cancer.
Brandon had four children, including two he shared with ex-wife Kelly Clarkson. Reba has spoken warmly about her relationship with Brandon and has also shared public updates about how his children were doing after his death.
That context makes this new baby news feel both joyful and emotional. After a painful family loss, the Blackstock family is now preparing to welcome a new life.
A New Chapter for Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire’s career has already given fans decades of unforgettable music, television moments and country music history.
But this new chapter is different.
It is not about awards, hit songs or standing ovations.
It is about a baby boy named Archer.
It is about a son becoming a father.
It is about a grandmother preparing to make memories with the next generation.
And judging by the message that appeared to be signed “Grandma Reba,” she is more than ready.
After years of singing about love, heartbreak, family and life’s unexpected turns, Reba now has a brand-new reason to celebrate.
Baby Archer is not here yet.
But he already has a name, a playlist, a “Welcome to the World” tour — and one very excited Grandma Reba waiting for him.
