Shelby Blackstock, Reba McEntire‘s only child, and his spouse Marissa have been attempting to conceive for over a year.
The pair have encountered various challenges in the process. On Sunday, November 26, Marissa took to social media to share a comprehensive post discussing the fertility hurdles they’ve faced as a couple.
After trying the natural route for some time, she explains that they decided to bring in “Nashville’s top OBGYN.” November marked their first medicated cycle. “Though it didn’t bring the news we hoped for, I’m reminded that success is more than just results – it’s about gratitude for our health and each other,” Marissa writes in her new Instagram post.
Marissa continued, “Shelby has been an incredibly supportive partner through all of this. His strength and optimism have been my rock.”
Shelby Married His Wife Marissa Branch In 2022
Shelby popped the question to Marissa, a social media influencer and licensed esthetician, on New Year’s Eve in 2020. Although the couple initially connected on Tinder in 2014, they didn’t officially start dating until two years later.
“We made fast friends early on and have had a strong bond ever since,” the couple told PEOPLE. “We both agree that if we had dated immediately upon meeting, we likely would not be as prepared as we are now to deserve one another.”
Shelby knelt down in Epcot at Walt Disney World, where they later exchanged vows in a magical wedding ceremony on February 12, 2022. According to Branch, it was also “the first place Shelby said ‘I love you.'” To the tune of “Tale as Old as Time” from Beauty and the Beast, she made her way down the aisle in front of Cinderella’s Castle.
Reba and her son danced to “You’re Gonna Be (Always Loved By Me),” McEntire’s own 2005 release, and she even sang her hit “Fancy” for guests at the reception.
“It’s a tougher and more common journey than many realize,” Marissa points out. “If you’re in the midst of this too, remember, you’re not alone. The emotional whirlwind is completely normal. Let’s keep supporting each other, finding joy in the small things, and holding onto hope.”
She also noted, “It helps immensely to have little things to look forward to.” Her number one top for individuals facing similar experiences: Go for small, joyful activities, regardless of the outcome. For instance, the couple booked a tee time at the Grand Opening of Puttshack – their way of ensuring they’d have a moment of fun and connection, whether the test result was positive or not.
See what else Marissa had to say about their fertility journey in her Instagram post below!