Narvel Blackstock’s new wife Laura Stroud has become one of the most talked-about figures in country music circles, and the reason goes far beyond the wedding itself. Narvel Blackstock, a music industry veteran who built his reputation as a steel guitarist and later one of Nashville’s most powerful talent managers, married Stroud in a ceremony at the Hermitage Hotel in Nashville that caught fans and media alike off guard.
What made Narvel Blackstock’s new wife such a story is her history with Reba McEntire, Narvel’s ex-wife of 26 years. Laura Putty Stroud was once considered one of Reba’s closest friends. The two women attended a Katy Perry concert together in 2014, with Reba sharing photos of the pair wearing colourful wigs, and Laura later joined Reba at her son’s car racing events, receiving public shout-outs on social media.
Narvel and Reba were married from 1989 to 2015. Narvel was originally a member of McEntire’s band before becoming her manager and eventually her husband. Reba has described the relationship as always business-driven, even at its most personal. The divorce was finalised in October 2015, with Reba later revealing it was not her idea and that the adjustment was genuinely painful.
Reports indicate that Blake Shelton, one of the most prominent artists Narvel managed throughout his career, officiated the wedding ceremony. Their son Shelby Blackstock was also present on the day.
Before marrying Laura, Narvel had been wed twice previously, first to Elisa Gayle Ritter from 1973 to 1988, and then to Reba for over two decades. His son Brandon Blackstock, from his first marriage, followed his father into talent management and was famously married to Kelly Clarkson for several years.
Tragedy struck not long after Narvel Blackstock’s new wife joined the family. Brandon Blackstock passed away following a three-year battle with cancer at the age of 48. Reba, who had maintained a warm relationship with her stepson, publicly asked for privacy for the family during the difficult period.
Whether the friendship between Reba McEntire and Laura Stroud survives the circumstances surrounding Narvel Blackstock’s new wife chapter remains a question fans continue to raise. What is clear is that Narvel, now approaching 70, is moving forward into a new phase of life.
