Blake Shelton is taking the time to stop and smell the roses — literally. The Voice coach, who is set to retire from the singing competition in 2023, has taken up flower gardening as of late — and is also taking to his role as stepdad.
Gardening is one of the many things Shelton is looking forward to devoting his newfound time and energy into post-The Voice — the hit NBC show he was on for a whopping 22-seasons. In his December cover story for People, the “Ol’ Red” singer opened up about wanting to be a more present father figure to wife Gwen Stefani’s three sons: Kingston, Zuma, and Apollo.
The musical duo, who fell in love as judges on the Voice, tied the knot in July 2021. Shelton has since become a stepparent to Stefani’s trio of kids, whom she shares with ex-husband and Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale.
Though Shelton has been awarded many accolades in his life, nothing compares to being a stepparent. “This isn’t about me anymore and never will be again,” he said of putting Kingston, Zuma, and Apollo first. With his priorities in check, Shelton doesn’t want to fear he’s “missing out on some more important things in life,” like watching the boys reach new milestones.
“Even though I’m a stepparent, I take that job very seriously. The kids see me as a very important person in their life,” he explained. “[When they ask,] ‘Why isn’t Blake here?’ I take that stuff to heart. I’ve made plenty of money, but you can’t buy time back. I don’t want any regrets.”
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The family of five split their time between LA and the family ranch in Oklahoma. Albeit, the “God’s Country” singer is hoping to spend more time at the latter following his exit from The Voice.
“We get away from everything [in L.A.], and we’re just us. It truly does feel different,” he said. “That’s where I feel the most comfortable, happy and safe.” The 46-year old country crooner was previously married to Kaynette Gern and fellow singer Miranda Lambert, but didn’t have children with either.
We stan a supportive parent, so here’s to more flower beds and a lot more family time in this cowboy’s future!
