Reba McEntire’s Son Shelby Shares Moving Tribute to Brandon Blackstock: ‘Irreplaceable Part of Our Family’

One day after the death of Reba McEntire’s stepson, Brandon Blackstock, her son Shelby Blackstock shared a moving tribute to his half-brother, who was also Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband and the father of her kids.

“The Voice” coach has not spoken publicly since the family announced on August 7, 2025, that Brandon died of cancer on August 7, 2025. McEntire, who was married to Brandon’s dad, Narvel Blackstock, for from 1989 to 2015, has previously said she has always thought of Brandon as another son.

Captioning a series of photos of Brandon, who was 48 when he died, Shelby wrote, “Words cannot begin to capture the tremendous loss our family has endured. Yesterday, we lost a brother, a father, a grandfather, and a son. Brandon Blackstock was an irreplaceable part of our family—funny, bright, and full of life—and he will be deeply missed.”

Reba McEntire’s Son, Shelby Blackstock, Says His Brother ‘Taught Me So Much’

Shelby, 35, clearly looked up to Brandon, who was 13 when McEntire and his dad welcomed him into their family.

“He taught me so much,” Shelby wrote in his tribute, “leaving behind countless cherished memories that I will hold onto forever. 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.”

Shelby continued, “And although it may annoy you, you’ll have to watch me do it all just a little better, a little smoother, and —let’s be honest— looking far more handsome than you ever could in the process. 😏 We will always miss you, Brandon, and we will never stop loving, remembering and celebrating you.”

Friends and fans flooded Shelby’s post with condolences, including a childhood friend who wrote, “My prayers and condolences to all of you 🙏🙏. I’ve known him since elementary out here in burleson !! He was such a pleasure to be around and funniest person when he told jokes !! My heart goes out to all of you !! Rip Brandon 🙏🙏 “

Reba McEntire’s Son Shared Wonderful Family Photos With Brandon Blackstock, But None Included Kelly Clarkson or Their Kids

Shelby shared a series of touching photos of himself with Brandon, and many with their blended family, including McEntire.

None of the photos featured Clarkson, who was married to Brandon from 2013 to 2022, nor the kids they shared — River Rose, 11, and Remington Alexander, 9. Their kids were in photos Shelby shared in March, when the family got together — sans Clarkson — for McEntire’s concert at the Houston rodeo.

Clarkson abruptly canceled the remainder of her Las Vegas residency shows on August 6, announcing that her children’s father had been ill and she needed to be “fully present” for them. Brandon died the next day.