Blake Shelton, the gravel-voiced country music icon and former The Voice coach, has long been known for his larger-than-life personality, chart-topping hits, and down-to-earth charm. But in recent years, the 48-year-old Oklahoma native has revealed a softer, more introspective side, one shaped by his marriage to pop superstar Gwen Stefani and his role as a stepfather to her three sons—Kingston, Zuma, and Apollo. In a heartfelt interview conducted this week, Shelton shared a profound sentiment that has resonated deeply with fans: “I don’t just want to be a stepdad sitting on the sidelines watching the kids play. I want to be there, covered in mud, fishing, and laughing. That’s how I feel the love of family.” These words, delivered with his signature sincerity, paint a vivid picture of a man who has found a new purpose in the messy, joyful chaos of family life.
Shelton’s journey to this point has been anything but conventional. Born in Ada, Oklahoma, he rose to fame in the early 2000s with his debut single “Austin,” a song that showcased his knack for blending heartfelt lyrics with a rugged, relatable persona. Over the years, he became a household name, not just for his music but also for his 23-season run as a coach on The Voice, where he became a fan favorite alongside fellow coaches like Adam Levine and Gwen Stefani. It was on the set of the NBC singing competition in 2014 that Shelton first met Stefani, sparking a connection that would change the trajectory of his life.
At the time, both were navigating personal turmoil. Shelton’s high-profile divorce from country singer Miranda Lambert was finalized in 2015, while Stefani was emerging from her own split with Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale. The shared experience of heartbreak brought them together, with Shelton later crediting Stefani with saving him during that dark period. “She saved my life,” he told The Voice producers in a 2016 interview, a statement that underscored the depth of their bond. Their relationship blossomed quickly, leading to an engagement in 2020 and a wedding in July 2021 at Shelton’s Oklahoma ranch—a sprawling 1,300-acre property that has since become the heart of their blended family.
For Shelton, stepping into the role of stepfather to Stefani’s sons—ages 18, 16, and 9 as of May 2025—has been a transformative experience. Unlike his early years in the spotlight, where his focus was on music and career milestones, Shelton now finds his greatest fulfillment in the day-to-day moments with the boys. “I didn’t grow up thinking I’d be a stepdad,” he admitted in a 2022 People magazine feature. “But every day, I fall in love with those boys as much as I do with Gwen.” This love, he explained, isn’t passive—it’s active, hands-on, and often messy, reflecting his desire to be fully immersed in their lives.
The quote that has captured so much attention—“I want to be there, covered in mud, fishing, and laughing”—is more than just a charming anecdote. It’s a window into Shelton’s philosophy on family. On his Oklahoma ranch, dubbed “Disneyland” by the boys, Shelton has created a playground of outdoor adventures. The property, with its creeks, woods, and open fields, offers endless opportunities for the kind of rugged, carefree fun Shelton craves. “They go down to the creek with a net, turn over rocks, or drive around on a buggy—it’s second nature to them now,” he said with a proud grin during a recent chat. Whether it’s planting flowers in the garden, casting a line into the water, or wrestling in the dirt, Shelton is determined to be an active participant, not a bystander.
This hands-on approach marks a significant shift from his earlier life. For years, Shelton’s schedule was dominated by touring and filming The Voice, leaving little room for the kind of family life he now cherishes. His decision to step away from the show in 2023 after nearly a quarter-century was a deliberate choice to prioritize his family. “The whole reason I stepped away from The Voice was to be there more,” he explained to Billboard in a 2023 interview. Since then, he’s limited his tour dates—performing just 18 shows in 2023—and focused on building memories with Stefani and the boys. “I don’t want any regrets,” he added, echoing a sentiment that has guided his recent life choices.
The ranch has become a sanctuary where Shelton can indulge his love for the outdoors while bonding with the children. Fishing trips are a particular favorite, with Shelton teaching the boys the art of casting a line and patiently waiting for a bite. “There’s something about sitting by the water, feeling the sun, and just talking with them,” he said. “It’s where I feel closest to them.” The boys, who spent much of their early years in Los Angeles, have adapted to the rural lifestyle with enthusiasm. “They’re naturals now,” Shelton laughed. “Zuma caught a bass last week that was bigger than anything I’ve reeled in!”
Gardening is another activity that brings the family together. Shelton, who grew up with a deep appreciation for the land, has taken to planting flowers and vegetables with the boys. “We get dirty, we laugh, and sometimes we argue about who gets to water the plants,” he shared. This hands-on involvement is a far cry from the image of a stepparent who might simply supervise from a distance. For Shelton, being covered in mud is a badge of honor, a sign that he’s fully engaged in the boys’ world.
This philosophy extends to his relationship with Gwen Stefani, who has embraced the ranch life alongside him. The couple often spends mornings sipping coffee on the porch, watching the boys explore, or joining them for impromptu jam sessions. Stefani, known for her vibrant pop career with No Doubt and as a solo artist, has found a new rhythm in Oklahoma. “She’s as hands-on as I am,” Shelton said. “She’ll be out there with us, laughing when Apollo accidentally splashes mud on her.” Their shared commitment to family has strengthened their marriage, with Shelton noting that the boys have brought a youthful energy to their lives. “They make me feel young every day,” he said, tying back to his original reflection.
Shelton’s bond with the boys has also deepened through shared musical moments. A self-taught guitarist, he’s been teaching them chords and encouraging their creativity. “Kingston’s got a good ear,” Shelton boasted. “He might be the next big thing.” These sessions, often held in the ranch’s cozy living room, blend music with laughter, reinforcing the family’s tight-knit dynamic. For Shelton, these interactions are a reminder of why he stepped back from the spotlight—to nurture these relationships.
The decision to leave The Voice wasn’t without its challenges. Shelton had become a fixture on the show, winning eight seasons and building a loyal fan base. But as the years passed, he felt the pull of home growing stronger. “I’d be on set, missing the boys’ games or Gwen’s cooking,” he recalled. “It wasn’t worth it anymore.” His departure was met with an outpouring of support from fans and colleagues, with many praising his choice to prioritize family. Since then, he’s focused on smaller, more meaningful projects, including a 2024 album that reflects his new life perspective.
Shelton’s relationship with Stefani’s sons has also evolved his sense of self. “It’s a different kind of self-worth,” he told GQ in 2022. “I’m not just Blake Shelton the singer—I’m someone they look up to.” This role has brought him a sense of fulfillment he never anticipated, especially given his own challenging childhood. Raised by a car salesman father and a beauty salon owner mother, Shelton lost his older brother Richie in a car accident at age 14, an event that shaped his early years. Becoming a stepfather has offered him a chance to heal old wounds by building a new family legacy.
The public’s response to Shelton’s recent words has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram have buzzed with fans sharing their own stories of family bonding, inspired by his example. “Blake’s right—getting in the mud with your kids is where the real love is,” one fan posted. Others have praised his authenticity, a trait that has endeared him to audiences for decades. This sentiment aligns with his long-held belief that family is the foundation of a meaningful life, a lesson reinforced by his time with Stefani and the boys.
Looking ahead, Shelton has no plans to return to the grueling pace of his past. “I want to keep this going as long as I can,” he said. “More fishing trips, more garden days, more laughs.” His only regret, as he reiterated, is not meeting Stefani and the boys sooner. “We had to go through what we did to get here,” he reflected. “But I wish I’d had more years to enjoy this.” For now, he’s content to live in the moment, covered in mud, casting lines, and laughing with the family that has redefined his world.
As the sun sets over the Oklahoma ranch, Shelton’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the joys found in the simple act of being present. For a man who once filled arenas with his music, the quiet moments of planting flowers or reeling in a fish with the boys are his greatest hits yet. And with Gwen by his side and the laughter of children in the air, Blake Shelton is living proof that love, family, and a little bit of mud can create a life worth singing about.
