Kelly Clarkson urged Reba McEntire to try to save her marriage to Narvel Blackstock.

The 60-year-old singer and her 58-year-old spouse and manager announced their split this week but the 'Breakaway' hitmaker, who is married to Narvel's son Brandon, tried to help them to save their 26-year union.

A source told Us Weekly: ''They've been living apart for two years. Kelly urged them not to split and she's the reason they didn't split earlier.''

''She was really fighting for them to make it work and stay together.''

Despite the split, Reba and Narvel have insisted that they will still work together.

A statement from Narvel's company, Big Machine Label Group, read: ''Despite this being the end of their marriage, they continue to support each other. They have worked together for 35 years and will continue to do so. They have asked that you respect their privacy during this time.''

It is not known whether the couple have filed for divorce.

Reba and Narvel married in 1989 and have a 25-year-old son, Shelby, together.

The music executive also has three children from his marriage to Elisa Gayle Ritter, daughters, Shawna and Chassidey and Kelly's husband, Brandon - a talent scout.

Reba - a Grammy award winner and multi-platinum artist - is the star of the popular television show 'Reba' and has appeared in 11 films whilst Narvel's company represent Reba, his daughter-in-law and singer Blake Shelton.