Reba McEntire is set to become a grandmother for the first time, with son Shelby Blackstock and his wife Marissa revealing at their baby shower that they’ll name their arriving boy Archer.
The couple, who married in 2022, announced earlier this spring that they were expecting their first child. The baby shower confirmed both the name — Archer Blackstock — and an expected arrival in October 2026. Photos from the event suggest the nickname “Archie” may be in the mix as well.
A Music-Themed Celebration
True to the family’s deep ties to the music industry, Shelby and Marissa designed the shower around a concert concept, framing it as Archer’s “Welcome to the World” tour. Guests received VIP passes marking October 2026 as the baby’s debut date, and were invited to sign a custom record plaque that read “Archie Blackstock: A Star is Born.” In the bottom left corner of that plaque, a handwritten message visible in photos appears to read, “We’re gonna have so much fun!” — signed “Grandma Reba.”
Guests were also asked to contribute song suggestions for a baby playlist, with cards set out on the entrance table for that purpose. Other details from the event included a red carpet-style photo backdrop surrounded by blue, black, and gold balloons — one shaped like an electric guitar — and a “It’s a Boy!” cake in blue lettering that Marissa’s mother brought for her daughter.
A Long Road to Parenthood
The pregnancy carries particular weight for the Blackstocks after years of struggle. Shelby is Reba McEntire’s only biological child, and he and Marissa have been candid about the challenges they faced trying to conceive. After a year of trying naturally, the couple moved to medicated cycles and eventually pursued in vitro fertilization. Last December, Marissa shared that they had suffered a pregnancy loss just days after their first positive result, following three years of trying. She also spoke publicly about the severe side effects she experienced during the IVF process.
The arrival of Archer will mark McEntire’s first biological grandchild. She does have a blended family connection to Brandon Blackstock — Shelby’s older half-brother and the son of McEntire’s ex-husband Narvel Blackstock — who died last August at age 48 after a battle with skin cancer. Brandon had four children, including two with ex-wife Kelly Clarkson, and McEntire has spoken warmly about her bond with his family since his passing.
With October 2026 on the horizon, McEntire fans and country music followers alike will be watching for the newest Blackstock to make his much-anticipated entrance.
