Celebrity Parents Blake Shelton Is a 'Great' Extra Dad Who's Shown Gwen Stefani's Boys 'Another Side of Life' Sources say Blake Shelton has introduced an "adventurous" side of life to Gwen Stefani's sons over the years By Melody Chiu Melody Chiu Instagram Twitter Melody Chiu is a Senior Editor for PEOPLE. She has been with the brand since 2009, editing, writing and reporting across all entertainment verticals. She oversees PEOPLE's music and events coverage and has written cover stories on Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Melissa McCarthy, Blake Shelton and Sandra Oh. The Los Angeles native graduated from the University of Southern California and has appeared on Extra!, The Talk, Access Hollywood and Good Morning America. People Editorial Guidelines Published on December 11, 2019 03:35 PM Share Tweet Pin Email Blake Shelton is just as in love with Gwen Stefani’s three sons as he is with his girlfriend of four years. The country star, whose latest album God's Country: Fully Loaded drops Friday, has become an extra dad to Kingston, 13, Zuma, 11, and Apollo, 5, multiple sources tell PEOPLE exclusively in its latest cover story. While staying respectful of Stefani’s ex Gavin Rossdale’s role as their father, Shelton, 43, has also had a large part in raising the boys over the last few years. Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani Are Ready to Wed: ‘He Was Very Serious Right from the Start’ Says Source “He’s so fun and has shown Gwen’s kids another side of life filled with adventure,” says a friend of the Voice coaches, who often head to Shelton’s ranch in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, on weekends and school breaks. “The boys have really grown immensely by spending time with Blake.” Bringing joy and laughter into their lives, Shelton is also more than happy to shoulder more responsibilities. “He is a good dad, actually,” Stefani, 50, who teamed up with her beau for a new duet called “Nobody but You” (featured on his album out Friday), said earlier this year on the Today show. “He’s been helping me out a lot. I literally get to the point where I’m like, ‘You gotta get home—I need help!’ It’s hard. I got three boys.” Steve Granitz/WireImage How Blake Shelton Discovered His Dad Instincts — Thanks to Gwen Stefani’s Adorable Sons Early on in their relationship, Stefani and Shelton’s loved ones quickly became “one big family,” and over the holidays the couple and their extended family will head to Oklahoma for their annual holiday get-together. “They’re all very like-minded and comfortable with each other,” says the friend. Often vocal about how Shelton “saved” her after heartbreak, Stefani’s life has indeed transformed after unexpectedly finding lasting love with the singer. “She is much more relaxed and enjoys life more,” says a Stefani insider. “Gwen has changed a lot since she met Blake, and it’s all for the better.” For all the details on Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani’s blissful life together and their plans for the future, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday.