“I love them both with all my heart.”
The country music world is mourning the loss of Brandon Blackstock, who passed away on August 7, 2025, at the age of 48 after a private, three-year battle with cancer. In the wake of the news, Reba McEntire’s heartfelt past comments about her stepson, and his former marriage to Kelly Clarkson, have resurfaced, carrying new emotional weight for those closest to the family.
A Blended Family Bond
Reba married Brandon’s father, Narvel Blackstock, raising Brandon alongside her son, Shelby. Even after her 2015 divorce from Narvel, she spoke about Brandon with warmth and love.
In 2021, amid Brandon and Kelly Clarkson’s very public separation, Reba explained she wouldn’t take sides.
“Kelly and I do talk, we text, and I love them both… I can’t play favorites because I’ve been a friend of Kelly for a long time,” she said.
She described Brandon as her son in every way that mattered:
“Although he’s my stepson, I still love him like he’s my blood, so I’m praying for ’em both.”
A Friendship That Survived Divorce
Kelly Clarkson herself has echoed that sentiment. On Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen in 2023, she revealed that her friendship with Reba remained strong even after her split from Brandon.
“Women of sound mind that know that life doesn’t work out sometimes… I mean well, she would know best,” Kelly said with a laugh, referencing Reba’s divorce. She added that the two still text regularly and continued to work together on The Voice.
Kelly’s Private Support During Brandon’s Illness
Sources say Kelly was protective of Brandon’s privacy after learning of his cancer diagnosis, focusing on their two children, River and Remington.
“Kelly has always tried to keep things classy,” one insider shared. “She never spoke poorly about Brandon to the kids. She wanted them to have the best relationship possible with their dad.”
The news of Brandon’s passing came just a day after Kelly abruptly postponed her Las Vegas residency dates, citing a family health emergency. Fans later learned she had stepped away from the stage to be present for her children during their father’s illness.
Family Moments Remembered
The last public photos of Brandon with Reba appeared in March 2025, when the family attended Rodeo Houston. Shared by Shelby Blackstock on Instagram, the pictures captured smiling group shots and candid moments that now serve as treasured memories.
A Difficult Journey
Kelly and Brandon finalized their divorce in 2022 after a lengthy legal process. While the split was painful, Kelly has said that writing her album Chemistry and attending therapy helped her process the grief.
“I’m taking my power back,” she shared, explaining how music became an outlet during the most difficult years of her life.
Remembering Brandon
A statement from the family confirmed his passing:
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away.”
For Reba, her words from years past now serve as a lasting reminder of her love for both Brandon and Kelly:
“I hope they’re happy and healthy and pull through this… I love them both with all my heart.”