Reba McEntire is honoring the memory of her former stepson, Brandon Blackstock, after his passing at age 48 following a three-year battle with melanoma.
McEntire became Blackstock’s stepmother when she married his father, Narvel Blackstock, in 1989. The couple were married until 2015.
Reba McEntire Mourns Former Stepson’s Passing in Rare Public Tribute
The country music legend shared her thoughts on her son Shelby Blackstock’s Instagram tribute on Monday, writing, “Very well said Shelby. Yes we will miss him so much 💔💔🙏💔❤️❤️❤️🙏💔.”
Shelby, 34, remembered his half-brother as “an irreplaceable part of our family” and posted a series of personal photos.
“He taught me so much, leaving behind countless cherished memories that I will hold onto forever,” Shelby wrote. “For every treasured moment we shared, there are so many more we’ll never get to make together, but I know you’ll still be there. Every hunt, every flight, and in the everyday moments of life, I’ll feel your presence.”
He concluded his tribute by promising the family would “never stop loving, remembering and celebrating you.”
McEntire & Blackstock’s Close Bond Beyond Divorce
McEntire was married to Brandon’s father, television producer Narvel Blackstock, from 1989 to 2015. Despite the divorce, she remained close to Brandon, often referring to him as her stepson.
A family representative confirmed to People on Aug. 7 that Brandon died following a private fight with cancer.
The 70-year-old singer had previously addressed her affection for both Brandon and his ex-wife, Kelly Clarkson, during their contentious divorce. Both women have served as coaches on “The Voice,” though during different seasons.
“You know, I love them both. Brandon’s my stepson, Kelly’s my good friend… I am pulling for both of them,” McEntire told Extra in 2021. “I hope they’re happy and healthy and pull through this. I pray everyone gives them the encouragement they can because they need it right now, both of them do.”
In a separate interview with Entertainment Tonight that same year, McEntire added, “Brandon’s been my son forever it seems. Although he’s my stepson, I still love him like he’s my total — my blood, so I’m praying for ’em both ’cause I love ’em both.”
Clarkson’s Sudden Residency Cancellation
Brandon and Clarkson were married from 2013 to 2022 and shared two children: River, 10, and Remington, 8. He also had daughter Savannah, 23, and son Seth, 18, with his first wife, Melissa Ashworth.
Less than 24 hours before news of Brandon’s passing became public, Clarkson, 43, announced she was abruptly canceling her Las Vegas residency to focus on her family.
“While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children’s father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them,” Clarkson wrote on Instagram on Aug. 6.
The American Idol winner did not elaborate further but has maintained a respectful silence since the announcement of Brandon’s passing.
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Reba McEntire Lovingly Breaks Silence on Brandon Blackstock