As of 11:35 AM on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, Blake Shelton stands at a remarkable juncture in his life, celebrating his 49th year with a legacy that spans decades of country music dominance, a thriving television career, and a deeply personal family life. Born on June 18, 1976, in Ada, Oklahoma, the country music icon has transformed from a small-town dreamer into a global superstar, selling over 30 million records and earning a spot as a household name through The Voice. At 49, Shelton’s journey reflects a blend of fame that transcends genres, a family rebuilt after loss, and a career that continues to evolve with new ventures. This is the story of Blake Shelton at this pivotal age—fame, family, and the road ahead.
Fame: A Country Legend’s Rise
Shelton’s ascent to fame began with his 2001 debut single, “Austin,” which topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for five weeks, launching him into the spotlight at age 25. His self-titled album went platinum, setting the stage for a career marked by 12 studio albums, including The Dreamer (2003), Based on a True Story… (2013), and If I’m Honest (2016). Hits like “Honey Bee,” “God’s Country,” and “Boys ‘Round Here” have racked up 1.7 billion streams worldwide, earning him 27 BMI awards, 27 ASCAP awards, and nine Grammy nominations. His 2017 title as People’s Sexiest Man Alive further cemented his crossover appeal, ranking him No. 50 on Billboard’s “Greatest of All Time Country Artists” list.
A significant boost came from The Voice, where he coached from 2011 to 2023, mentoring nine winners across 23 seasons. His exit in 2023, announced to focus on family, didn’t dim his star; his 2024 induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and the Hollywood Walk of Fame star in May 2023 underscored his enduring impact. At 49, Shelton’s latest album, For Recreational Use Only (released May 2025), marks his return after a four-year hiatus, featuring the single “Hangin’ On” with Gwen Stefani, debuting at No. 7 on the Country Airplay chart. His Ole Red bar chain, expanding to eight locations, and roles in films like The Ridiculous 6 (2015) and The Angry Birds Movie (2016) showcase a multifaceted career, blending music with entertainment.
Shelton’s fame also carries a playful edge. His 2016 “Healing in the Heartland” benefit concert raised $6.5 million for Oklahoma tornado relief, and his 2024 CMT Giants: Alabama performance highlighted his generosity. Yet, controversies—like the 2016 racist tweet backlash and 2023 fan ticket price gripes—have tested his image, which he counters with humor, as seen in his 2025 Instagram tractor reveal, dubbing it the “big long thing.” At 49, his fame remains a balance of achievement and authenticity, resonating with fans who adore his down-to-earth charm.
Family: A Blended Legacy
Family has been the heartbeat of Shelton’s life, shaped by both joy and tragedy. Raised by Dorothy Shackleford, a beauty salon owner, and Dick Shelton, a car salesman, in Ada, Shelton lost his older brother, Richie, in a 1990 car crash at age 24, when Blake was 14. This loss, detailed in Miranda Lambert’s “Over You” (co-written by Shelton), fueled his emotional depth, a theme he revisited in his 2023 Walk of Fame speech dedicating his star to Richie. His father’s death in 2012 and mother’s remarriage to Mike Shackleford added layers to his family narrative, with sister Endy Intrieri, a jewelry designer, remaining a close confidante.
Shelton’s romantic life has been public, with three marriages shaping his journey. His first, to Kaynette Gern (2003–2006), ended quietly, followed by his high-profile marriage to Miranda Lambert (2011–2015), marked by hits like “Bare Skin Rug.” The 2015 divorce, announced with mutual respect, led to his relationship with Gwen Stefani, met on The Voice in 2014. Married since July 3, 2021, at his Oklahoma ranch, Shelton has embraced Stefani’s sons—Kingston (18), Zuma (16), and Apollo (11)—as a stepfather, a role he prioritized by leaving The Voice. In a 2024 Access interview, he called Stefani his “best friend,” their 2025 Missouri vacation with the boys highlighting this bond.
At 49, Shelton’s family life blends his Oklahoma roots with Stefani’s California flair. Dorothy’s co-written “Time for Me to Come Home” (2012) and the Hallmark franchise it inspired reflect their musical tie, while Stefani’s 2024 Easter flower-picking video with Apollo shows their blended harmony. Without biological children, Shelton’s role as a stepparent, detailed in his 2023 People interview about reliability, fulfills a family dream, grounding his fame in love.
Career: Evolution and New Horizons
Shelton’s career at 49 is a testament to evolution. His 2001 debut with Warner Bros. via Giant Records, despite the label’s collapse, birthed “Austin,” a five-week No. 1. Albums like Red River Blue (2011) and Based on a True Story… (2013) hit double and triple platinum, with “Mine Would Be You” topping charts for three weeks in 2013. His 2024 shift to BBR Music Group after 23 years with Warner Nashville signals a new chapter, with For Recreational Use Only exploring a lighter, recreational vibe, per CBS in May 2025.
Television has been a career cornerstone. The Voice’s 2011 launch made him a coach icon, earning the 2017 NATPE Reality Breakthrough Award. His 2022–2024 Barmageddon and Christmas specials like Blake Shelton’s Not So Family Christmas (2012) showcase his versatility. Film roles, from Pitch Perfect 2 (2015) to voicing Earl in The Angry Birds Movie (2016), add to his portfolio. At 49, his Ole Red expansion—eight locations by 2025—mirrors Bryan’s 32 Bridge, blending business with his country ethos.
Looking ahead, Shelton’s 2025 tour with Ronnie Dunn and Trace Adkins hints at collaborations, while his ranch life fuels new music. His 2014 Oklahoma Hall of Fame induction and 2023 Walk of Fame star reflect a career peak, yet he remains focused on authenticity, as seen in his 2024 Newsweek tractor post. At 49, Shelton’s career is a bridge between past triumphs and future possibilities, rooted in his Ada beginnings.
Reflection at 49
As June 17, 2025, marks his 49th year’s midpoint, Shelton stands as a figure of resilience. His fame, built on 43 No. 1 hits and 10 CMA Awards, coexists with a family rebuilt after loss, enriched by Stefani’s sons. His career, spanning music, TV, and business, evolves with purpose, from Nashville’s early days to Las Vegas residencies. At 49, Blake Shelton embodies a life where fame fuels family, and family inspires fame, leaving fans in awe of his enduring legacy.
