Blake Shelton has never been one to hold back when it comes to expressing his love for Gwen Stefani, his wife of nearly four years. From their chart-topping duets to their playful banter on The Voice, the couple’s chemistry has captivated fans since they first met in 2014. But on May 15, 2025, Shelton took his admiration to new heights during an interview on Apple Music’s Today’s Country Radio with host Kelleigh Bannen. In a moment that left country music fans buzzing, Shelton compared Stefani to the legendary Dolly Parton, describing her as one of those rare individuals who are “lit from within.” For Shelton, this comparison wasn’t about Stefani’s undeniable talent or striking beauty—it was about her unwavering faith and joyful spirit that radiate in everything she does. So, what exactly did Shelton say, and why did his words resonate so deeply?
A Love Story Rooted in Music and Faith
Shelton and Stefani’s love story began on the set of The Voice in 2014, where they were both coaches navigating personal challenges. Shelton was coming off a high-profile divorce from Miranda Lambert, while Stefani was ending her marriage to Gavin Rossdale. What started as a friendship blossomed into a romance that captured the public’s imagination. By 2021, the couple had tied the knot, blending their families and musical worlds in a way that felt both unexpected and perfectly natural. Over the years, Shelton has often spoken about how Stefani changed his life, but his latest comments reveal a deeper layer of their connection—one rooted in faith.
During the Today’s Country Radio interview, Shelton opened up about how Stefani has transformed his relationship with spirituality. “I’ve learned so much from her, and she’s really the person that’s helped me get in touch with my faith and get serious about it,” he shared. For Shelton, faith had often been a casual part of his life—something he might mention in passing at an awards show. But Stefani’s influence shifted his perspective. “She reminds me to think about it all day long,” he continued. “When you’re around her, everything she sees, she sees God in it. And it’s really special to be around her, because her faith is alive.”
It was in this context that Shelton made the comparison that would set headlines ablaze. Host Kelleigh Bannen, moved by Shelton’s description, noted that Stefani’s radiant faith reminded her of Dolly Parton and Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman—two women known for their infectious positivity and deep spirituality. Bannen described them as being “lit from within,” a phrase that perfectly encapsulated their inner light. Shelton immediately agreed, saying, “That’s funny you say that about Kimberly. I’ve always thought about that with her, too. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her without a smile from ear to ear, you know? She’s just an incredible person, and Dolly obviously, but Gwen has that, too. She just has that.”
The Power of Being “Lit from Within”
Shelton’s comparison of Stefani to Dolly Parton—a country music icon whose influence spans generations—was no small statement. Parton, now 79, has long been celebrated not just for her music but for her boundless optimism and faith-driven outlook. Her songs, like “Light of a Clear Blue Morning,” often reflect her spiritual beliefs, and her persona exudes a warmth that draws people in. Similarly, Kimberly Schlapman’s ever-present smile and joyful demeanor have made her a beloved figure in country music. By placing Stefani in the same category, Shelton highlighted a quality that transcends talent—a spiritual radiance that makes her shine in a way that’s both profound and magnetic.
For fans, Shelton’s words offered a new lens through which to view Stefani. Known for her pop-punk roots with No Doubt and her solo hits like “Hollaback Girl,” Stefani might not seem an obvious match for the country world. Yet, her journey with Shelton has revealed a softer, more introspective side. Stefani has been open about her Christian faith, particularly how it guided her through her divorce from Rossdale. In a 2021 appearance on Today, she shared, “For me, I was turning to my faith right away. That was a seed that my mom planted in me when I was a little girl.” That seed has clearly flourished, becoming a cornerstone of her marriage to Shelton and a quality that he now cherishes deeply.
A Shared Legacy in Country Music
Shelton’s comparison also underscores the deep connection between faith and country music—a genre that has long intertwined spirituality with storytelling. From Hank Williams’ “I Saw the Light” to modern hits like Shelton’s own “God’s Country,” country music has a rich tradition of gospel-inspired songs. Shelton himself has explored this intersection in tracks like “God Gave Me You” and “Savior’s Shadow,” often blending themes of love, faith, and redemption. By likening Stefani to Parton, Shelton not only honored his wife but also placed her within a lineage of country artists whose faith informs their art and presence.
The couple’s musical collaboration further reflects their shared values. On Shelton’s latest album, For Recreational Use Only, released earlier this year, he and Stefani teamed up for an emotional duet—a breakup song that, ironically, showcases their enduring commitment. The album also features Shelton’s number-one hit “Texas,” a track that dominated country radio in 2024. Their musical partnership has been a hallmark of their relationship, with past duets like “Happy Anywhere” and “Nobody But You” becoming fan favorites. Through their music, Shelton and Stefani have found a way to express their love and faith, bridging their pop and country worlds in a way that feels authentic to both.
A Love That Continues to Inspire
Shelton’s heartfelt words about Stefani come at a time when the couple is celebrating milestones both personal and professional. On June 3, 2025, they will mark their fourth wedding anniversary, a moment they’ve already begun to commemorate with sweet social media posts. Last year, Stefani shared a throwback photo from their wedding day on Instagram, captioning it, “It’s always been you,” while Shelton posted a selfie of the two with a declaration of his love. Their relationship, now over a decade strong, continues to inspire fans who have followed their journey from The Voice to the Grand Ole Opry stage, where Shelton performed earlier this year.
For Shelton, comparing Stefani to Parton was more than a compliment—it was a testament to the profound impact she’s had on his life. “Her faith is alive,” he reiterated during the interview, a sentiment that echoes the joy and positivity Parton has brought to country music for decades. Fans on social media quickly picked up on Shelton’s comments, with posts praising the couple’s bond and Stefani’s radiant spirit. One user wrote, “Blake comparing Gwen to Dolly is the sweetest thing—he sees her light, and now we all do too.”
As Shelton continues to dominate country music—he performed at the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards on May 8, 2025, in Frisco, Texas—his partnership with Stefani remains a source of strength and inspiration. Whether they’re collaborating on a new song, supporting each other’s careers, or simply sharing a quiet moment at home, their love story is one that resonates far beyond the stage. Shelton’s latest compliment, placing Stefani on the same pedestal as Dolly Parton, reminds us that true love isn’t just about what’s on the surface—it’s about the light that shines from within, illuminating everything it touches.
