Reba McEntire Breaks Her Silence on Stepson Brandon Blackstock's Death

Reba McEntire is speaking out after her stepson Brandon Blackstock’s death.

McEntire, 70, responded to a Friday, August 8, Instagram post by her son, Shelby Blackstock, whom she shares with ex Narvel Blackstock.

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

Three days later, McEntire echoed similar sentiments in the comments section.

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“Very well said Shelby. Yes we will miss him so much ,” she responded.

McEntire then took to her own Instagram to pay tribute to Brandon. “Last week, my stepson/oldest son Brandon Blackstock went home to be with God,” she wrote alongside a  photo of the twosome. “His struggle is over and he is in eternal peace in God’s presence. There is no one else like him, and I’m thankful for the time we had together. His legacy and laughter will be carried on through his family. Rest in peace cowboy. Happy trails to you til we meet again.”

Us Weekly confirmed on Thursday, August 7, that Blackstock died after a private battle with cancer. He was 48.

“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” a rep for the family shared in a statement to Us. “Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”

McEntire was married to Brandon’s dad  from 1989 to 2015. Though the marriage ended, she remained close with Brandon.

“Brandon’s been my son forever it seems,” McEntire told Entertainment Tonight in October 2021. “Although he’s my stepson, I still love him like he’s my total — my blood.”

Following McEntire’s split from Narvel, she maintained her connection with Brandon and a friendship with his now-ex-wife Kelly Clarkson.

“She’s married [to] my oldest son, Brandon, but we’re also good friends,” the Reba alum told Us in March 2019 when describing her bond with Clarkson, 43. “That goes a long way — when you can have a good friend as a part of your family.”

In a separate appearance on The Talk, McEntire said she has known Clarkson since she was a contestant on American Idol.

“I love her to pieces,” she said. “She’s been one of my best friends since I met her in 2002, now she’s my daughter-in-law. She’s a wonderful person, big-hearted, always full of joy and laughter.”

Brandon and Clarkson split in 2020, but McEntire wasn’t one to pick a side in the divorce. Instead, she expressed her love for both parties.

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“You know, I love them both. Brandon’s my stepson, Kelly’s my good friend,” McEntire told Extra in October 2021. “I am pulling for both of them. I hope they’re happy and healthy and pull through this. … I pray everyone gives them the encouragement that they can because they need it right now, both of them do. I love them with my whole heart.”

Before his death, Brandon followed in his father’s footsteps and became a high-profile country music manager at Starstruck Entertainment. According to the company’s website, they manage several successful singers including Blake Shelton and Carly Pearce.

Brandon is survived by his father, siblings and four children: Savannah and Seth, whom he shared with ex Melissa Ashworth, and River and Remington, whom he shared with Clarkson.