She wears a warm smile and a festive hat in the New Year’s Day photo she posted to Instagram
with her “best buddy,” son Shelby Blackstock. “2016!” Reba McEntire wrote. “Bring it on!”

Despite her sweet celebration in Cancun, Mexico, there is sadness in Reba’s eyes. A week later, the reason for Reba’s melancholy became clear when the news broke that her ex-husband Narvel Blackstock, 59, was planning to marry Laura Putty Stroud, a real estate agent and onetime friend of Reba’s.

While Narvel’s new relationship had to hurt, Reba, 60, whose divorce was only finalized
on Oct. 28, is staying positive and trusting in her faith.

reba mcentire and narvel blackstock

Reba and Narvel in April 2015.

“I look forward to what’s next,” Reba says. “People always ask me, ‘What are you going to do next?’ Well, I dunno; God hasn’t told me yet.”

RELATED: Reba McEntire and Narvel Blackstock Put Their Family First Amid Divorce

“Reba is very spiritual, she believes there is a plan for all this,” says a friend of the singer.
“She has always been one to take the high road — she sees this as a fresh start and isn’t
going to get bogged down in what Narvel is doing in his personal life.”

To read the full story on Reba, pick up the new issue of Closer Weekly, on newsstands now!