Who Is Elisa Gayle Ritter? Meet Narvel Blackstock’s First Wife and Loving Mom

Have you ever searched for Elisa Gayle Ritter and felt confused by what you found online?
Many people do. Her name often shows up next to big stars like Narvel Blackstock and Reba McEntire. But Elisa herself lives a quiet life.

So, who is she really?
In this article, we will talk about Elisa Gayle Ritter, her early life, her marriage to Narvel Blackstock, and the family they built together. We will also clear up common confusion and explain her story in a very simple way. Let’s start from the beginning.

Elisa Gayle Ritter Quick Bio

Who Is Elisa Gayle Ritter?

Elisa Gayle Ritter is an American woman best known as the first wife of Narvel Blackstock. She is also a caring mother and a proud grandmother. Even though her name is well known online, she has always stayed away from fame.

Elisa was never someone who chased attention. While her family became famous in music and TV, she chose a calm and private life. That choice makes people even more curious about her.

Today, many people want to know more about Elisa Gayle Ritter. Not because she is a celebrity, but because her life connects to famous names and important family stories.

Elisa Gayle Ritter’s Early Life and Background

Very little is publicly known about Elisa’s early life. She was born on January 6, 1956, in Texas, United States. Most details about her parents and childhood were kept private.

This was long before social media. Back then, not everyone lived their life in public. Elisa grew up like many other young girls of her time, focusing on family, values, and simple goals.

Because she stayed out of the spotlight, her early years remain a mystery. Still, this quiet beginning shaped the calm and grounded person people describe today when they talk about Elisa Gayle Ritter.

Marriage to Narvel Blackstock

Elisa Gayle Ritter married Narvel Blackstock in March 1973. Both were very young at the time. Narvel was just starting his journey in music, and life was still full of dreams and plans.

Their marriage lasted for 15 years, from 1973 to 1988. During those years, Narvel worked hard to build his career. Elisa stood by him during those early struggles and changes.

Like many young couples, they grew and changed over time. Eventually, they chose different paths. Their divorce was finalized in 1988, ending a long chapter of their lives.

Elisa Gayle Ritter and Narvel’s Children

During their marriage, Elisa Gayle Ritter and Narvel Blackstock welcomed three children. Family was always a big part of Elisa’s life.

Their children are:

• Shawna Rene Blackstock (born in 1973)

• Brandon Blackstock (born in 1976)

• Chassidy Celeste Blackstock (born in 1978)

Elisa focused deeply on being a mother. While Narvel’s career grew, she helped keep the family strong and stable. Her children remained her biggest priority.

Brandon Blackstock: Her Famous Son

Out of Elisa’s children, Brandon Blackstock became the most well known. He followed his father into the entertainment world and worked as a talent manager.

Brandon later married singer Kelly Clarkson, which brought even more attention to the family. Through Brandon, Elisa Gayle Ritter became a grandmother to several children.

Even with all this fame around her, Elisa stayed quiet and supportive. She never tried to step into the spotlight. Instead, she stayed focused on family and personal peace.

What Happened After the Divorce?

After the divorce in 1988, life changed for both Elisa and Narvel. Narvel married country music star Reba McEntire in 1989, just one year later.

Elisa, however, chose a different path. She moved forward calmly and focused on healing, family, and a new chapter in life. She did not speak publicly or create drama.

This is a good place to pause the story. In the next part, we will talk about Elisa’s second marriage, her life as a grandmother, and why people still confuse her with Reba McEntire today.

Elisa Gayle Ritter’s Second Marriage

After her divorce from Narvel Blackstock, Elisa Gayle Ritter found love again. In August 1989, she married Daniel Gilbert. They have now been married for over 35 years, and their bond still looks strong.

Daniel often shares kind and loving messages about Elisa on Facebook. He once called her a “Proverbs 31 woman”, which means she is wise, kind, hardworking, and full of love. He sees her not just as a wife but also as a partner in faith and life.

Their marriage is full of respect, support, and shared values. Together, they enjoy their blended family and happy memories.

Elisa Gayle Ritter as a Mother and Grandma

Family means everything to Elisa Gayle Ritter. She has always been close to her children and now enjoys time with her grandchildren and even great-grandchildren.

Brandon Blackstock, her son, has four children from two marriages. Her daughters, Shawna and Chassidy, are also married and have their own families. Elisa is often seen celebrating their happy moments online.

In January 2022, she became a great-grandmother when Brandon’s daughter, Savannah, had her first baby. And in July 2025, Savannah shared that another baby is on the way. Elisa’s family just keeps growing, and she is always there to share love and support.

Why Do People Confuse Elisa Gayle Ritter With Reba McEntire?

One of the most common questions is:
“Is Elisa Gayle Ritter the same person as Reba McEntire?”
The answer is no — they are two completely different people.

People get confused because:

• Both were married to Narvel Blackstock.

• Some old photos show a slight resemblance.

• Elisa stays private, while Reba is a big star.

In fact, when you search Elisa Gayle Ritter online, many images that appear are actually of Reba McEntire. This mistake happens because Reba is more famous, so search engines often mix things up.

Elisa Gayle Ritter and Reba’s Real Connection

Even though Elisa and Reba were both married to the same man, there is no drama between them. Their real connection is through family.

When Reba married Narvel in 1989, she became stepmother to Elisa’s three children. Reba treated them with love and care. In fact, she once said:

“I don’t consider Brandon, Chassidy, and Shawna stepchildren… I claim them all.”

This shows how much Reba respected Elisa’s children. And it also shows that their blended family tried to stay kind and respectful over the years.

Is Elisa Gayle Ritter Still in the Public Eye?

Even with all the connections to famous people, Elisa Gayle Ritter lives a very private life. She doesn’t have a public Instagram, Twitter, or a Wikipedia page. You might only find her on Facebook, where she shares family posts from time to time.

She has no known credits in TV or music, even though some sources online wrongly say she was a producer. Most of her story is told through her family, not through fame.

That’s why people are still curious about her. She is part of a famous circle but has chosen peace and privacy over the spotlight.

Why Elisa Gayle Ritter’s Story Still Matters

Even though Elisa Gayle Ritter is not a celebrity, her story still touches many people. She shows that it’s okay to live a quiet life, even when you are linked to big names.

Her journey through young love, divorce, motherhood, and remarriage is very real. Many people can relate to her. And through her children and grandchildren, her legacy continues.

So next time someone asks, “Who is Elisa Gayle Ritter?” — you can now share her full story. She is more than just a name connected to Narvel Blackstock. She is a strong, loving woman who chose family, faith, and peace.

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