Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
The country music icon was married to Brandon’s father, Narvel Blackstock, from 1989 until their divorce in 2015.
Reba McEntire has broken her silence following the death of Brandon Blackstock.
The country legend — who was married to Brandon’s father, Narvel Blackstock, from 1989 until 2015 and was listed as his stepmother in his obituary — honored him with a heartfelt Instagram post on Tuesday, Aug. 12.
Sharing several photos of the two together, the 70-year-old star wrote, “Last week, my stepson and eldest son, Brandon Blackstock, went home to be with God. His struggles have ended, and he now rests in eternal peace in God’s presence.”
She continued, “There was truly no one else like him, and I am grateful for the moments we shared. His humor and legacy will live on through his loved ones. Rest in peace, cowboy. Happy trails until we meet again.”
The day before, on Monday, Aug. 11, McEntire also left a touching comment on an Instagram post shared by her son, Shelby Blackstock. Under Shelby’s carousel of photos, she wrote, “Very well said, Shelby. Yes, we will miss him so much 💔💔🙏💔❤️❤️❤️🙏💔.”
Brandon passed away on Aug. 7 at the age of 48 after a battle with melanoma, a type of skin cancer. In his tribute, Shelby wrote, “Words can’t fully express the depth of our family’s loss. Yesterday, we lost a brother, father, grandfather, and son. Brandon was a one-of-a-kind presence—funny, smart, and full of life—and his absence will be felt forever.”
Shelby Blackstock, 35, reflected on the impact his brother Brandon had on his life, calling the late talent manager someone who “taught me so much” and left behind “countless cherished memories” he would treasure forever.
“For every special moment we shared, there are countless more we’ll never get to experience, but I know you’ll still be with me,” Shelby wrote. “In every hunt, every flight, and the ordinary moments in between, I’ll feel your presence. And, even though it might irritate 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 did. 😏”
He closed his tribute with, “We will always miss you, Brandon, and we will never stop loving, remembering, and celebrating you.”
A representative for the family confirmed the sad news to PEOPLE, stating, “It is with heavy hearts that we share that Brandon Blackstock has passed away. Brandon fought cancer with courage for more than three years and died peacefully surrounded by family. We are grateful for your thoughts and prayers and ask for privacy during this extremely difficult time.”
Kelly Clarkson — Brandon’s ex-wife and Reba McEntire’s former stepdaughter-in-law — revealed his illness on Wednesday, Aug. 6, when she announced she would be postponing her Las Vegas residency to focus on caring for their two children, 11-year-old daughter River Rose and 9-year-old son Remington Alexander.
“Unfortunately, I have to postpone the remaining August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas,” wrote Clarkson, 43, on Instagram. “While I usually keep my private life out of the public eye, this past year my children’s father has been battling illness, and right now I need to be fully present for them. I am deeply sorry to those who purchased tickets, and I truly appreciate your grace, kindness, and understanding.”
McEntire has previously spoken about her affection for both Clarkson and Brandon — who were married for seven years before divorcing in June 2020 — amid their difficult separation.
“I love them both — Brandon is my stepson and Kelly is my good friend — and I’m rooting for them,” the I’m a Survivor singer told Extra in a 2021 interview. “I want them both to be happy, healthy, and to make it through this.”
She added, “I hope everyone offers them the support they need right now. I love them both with all my heart.”