Elisa Gayle Ritter is a woman many people know, but also mix up with someone else. She has lived a full life as a TV producer, a loving mom, and the first wife of music manager Narvel Blackstock. Even though she was once married to someone famous, she likes to stay quiet and private.
But here’s the strange part: many people think Elisa is Reba McEntire, the famous country singer. This confusion has been going on for years! In this article, we’ll talk about who Elisa really is, her family, her love story, her career, and why people still think she’s someone else.
Elisa Gayle Ritter Profile Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Elisa Gayle Ritter |
| Date of Birth | January 6, 1956 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 70 years old |
| Place of Birth | Tarrant County, Texas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White Caucasian |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Profession | TV and Music Producer |
| First Husband | Narvel Blackstock (1973–1988) |
| Second Husband | Daniel Gilbert (married in 1989 – present) |
| Children | Shawna Rene, Brandon Blackstock, Chassidy Celeste |
| Grandchildren | Savannah, Seth, River Rose, Remington Alexander |
| Known For | Being Narvel Blackstock’s first wife, TV producer |
| Fun Fact | Often confused with Reba McEntire (they are not the same person) |
Early Life and Where She Comes From
Elisa Gayle Ritter was born on January 6, 1956, in Tarrant County, Texas, in the United States. She grew up in Texas and is American by nationality. She is white and follows the Christian religion.
Not much is known about her early family life. Elisa doesn’t share many details about her parents or brothers and sisters. She has always kept her private life away from the media. That’s why we don’t know much about her childhood. But even with that, we know she grew up to become a strong and successful woman.
Elisa’s First Love Story: Marrying Young
Elisa got married when she was still a teenager. She married Narvel Blackstock on March 30, 1973. At that time, she was just 17 years old, and Narvel was 19. They were very young and just starting their lives together.
Narvel was already starting his music career. He played the steel guitar in a small Texas band. He later became a manager for big country music stars. Elisa stood by his side during those early days. Their love story began when they were still growing up and dreaming big.
Life With Narvel Blackstock
Elisa and Narvel were married for 15 years. During that time, they built a family and worked hard together. Narvel became a big name in the country music world, and Elisa was right there with him.
Together, they worked on managing artists and growing their business. They supported each other as partners and as a married couple. But after many years, their relationship began to change. Sadly, they got divorced in 1988. Even though their marriage ended, their years together shaped a big part of Elisa’s story.
Elisa Gayle Ritter’s Career in TV and Music
Elisa is more than just someone’s wife. She made a name for herself as a TV and music producer. She worked with a company called Yankee and also with Starstruck Entertainment, which Narvel co-owned.
She helped manage famous stars like Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, and Kelly Clarkson. Even though Elisa stayed out of the spotlight, her work behind the scenes was important. She helped big names rise to fame while also balancing her role as a mother and a wife.
Her career shows how strong and talented she is. She didn’t need to be on stage to be successful—she was helping build others’ careers from behind the scenes.
Meet Elisa’s Children
Elisa had three children with Narvel Blackstock. Her oldest daughter is Shawna Rene, born in 1973. Her second child is Brandon Blackstock, born on December 16, 1976. Her youngest daughter is Chassidy Celeste, born in 1978.
Brandon followed in his father’s footsteps. He became a music manager and worked with big stars like Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson. He also started a rodeo company in Montana called Valley View Rodeo. Brandon got married twice and had four kids: Savannah, Seth, River Rose, and Remington.
Elisa is not only a mother, but also a proud grandmother and now even a great-grandmother. Her granddaughter Savannah had a baby in 2022, and is expecting another in January 2026. Elisa’s family keeps growing, and she stays close to all of them.
Brandon Blackstock’s Passing
Sadly, Elisa faced a heartbreaking moment in August 2025. Her son, Brandon Blackstoc,k passed away after a fight with cancer. He was only 48 years old.
Brandon had lived a busy and successful life. He worked hard in music, helped raise his kids, and stayed close to his family. His passing was a big loss for Elisa and everyone who loved him. It was a sad chapter in Elisa’s life, but she stayed strong through it all—just like she always has.
Love After Divorce
After her divorce from Narvel, Elisa did not rush into the spotlight or drama. Instead, she quietly started a new chapter in her life. In August 1989, she married Daniel Gilbert, a man who truly values her heart, strength, and faith. Their love grew slowly and naturally.
Daniel often speaks very kindly about Elisa. He once called her a “Proverbs 31 woman,” which means a woman who is strong, caring, wise, and full of love. They have now been married for over 35 years. Their long marriage shows deep respect, patience, and real partnership.
A Calm and Faith‑Filled Married Life
Elisa and Daniel live a very peaceful life together. They enjoy simple moments, family time, and shared faith. They do not chase fame. Instead, they focus on love, trust, and togetherness.
Daniel sometimes shares kind messages about Elisa online. He talks about their travels, memories, and joy. Their relationship shows that real happiness can be quiet and private, not loud or public. Elisa Gayle Ritter clearly found peace in this stage of her life.
Why People Confuse Elisa With Reba McEntire
One of the biggest questions people ask is very simple: Is Elisa Gayle Ritter the same person as Reba McEntire? The answer is no. They are two completely different people.
The confusion happens for two reasons. First, Elisa and Reba look a little alike. Second, both were married to Narvel Blackstock, but at different times. Reba is very famous, while Elisa lives privately. Because of this, search engines often show Reba’s photos when people search for Elisa Gayle Ritter.
What Reba Said About Elisa’s Children
Even though Reba and Narvel divorced, Reba always spoke with love about Elisa’s children. She once said she did not see them as stepchildren. She said she “claimed them all.”
This shows something special. It shows that the family tried to stay kind and respectful, even after divorce. Elisa Gayle Ritter raised her children in a way that built strong bonds, even in a blended family. That says a lot about her heart and values.
Elisa Gayle R
itter’s Quiet Life Today
Today, Elisa Gayle Ritter lives a calm and private life with her husband Daniel. She stays away from public attention and media noise. She chooses peace over fame.
She spends time with her family, children, grandchildren, and even great‑grandchildren. Even after loss and hard moments, she stays strong. Her life today is simple, loving, and full of meaning.
Final Thoughts
Elisa Gayle Ritter is more than a name people confuse online. She is a mother, a producer, a wife, and a strong woman who lived life with grace. Her story includes love, hard work, loss, and quiet success.
When people learn the full truth, they see her clearly. Elisa Gayle Ritter is not Reba McEntire. She is her own person, with her own journey. And her story deserves to be known and respected.
(FAQs)
How many children does Elisa Gayle Ritter have?
Elisa has three children with Narvel Blackstock — Shawna Rene, Brandon Blackstock, and Chassidy Celeste. All were born between 1973 and 1978.
What is Elisa Gayle Ritter’s real age and birthday?
She was born on January 6, 1956, which means she turned 70 years old in 2026.
Did Elisa Gayle Ritter and Reba McEntire marry the same man?
Yes! Both married Narvel Blackstock, but at different times. Elisa married him first in 1973, and Reba married him later in 1989. That’s why people often confuse them — but they are not the same person.
Who is Elisa Gayle Ritter’s husband now?
After divorcing Narvel, Elisa married Daniel Gilbert in August 1989. They’ve been happily married for over 35 years.
Where is Elisa Gayle Ritter today and what is she doing?
Elisa lives a quiet and private life with her husband Daniel. She stays away from the spotlight and enjoys time with her children, grandchildren, and even a great-grandchild!
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