Introduction:
In recent days, the country music world has been shaken by heartbreaking news that has touched the hearts of many of its biggest names. Reba McEntire has spoken out following the death of her former stepson, Brandon Blackstock, who passed away on Thursday, August 7, after a private three-year battle with cancer. According to the coroner, he died of natural causes.
This loss is felt even more deeply because Brandon was the father of singer Kelly Clarkson’s two young children – River Rose and Remington Alexander.
While she has not made an official statement on her own social media pages, Reba left a comment on an emotional tribute posted by her son, Shelby Blackstock. Shelby shared a collection of photos of his older half-brother, writing: “An irreplaceable part of our family – funny, bright, and full of life. He will always be deeply missed.”
Beneath that post, Reba responded softly: “Very well said, Shelby. Yes, we will miss him so much,” adding a few emojis to quietly express her grief. Though brief, her words carried deep emotion, revealing that the bond remained intact despite the passage of time and life’s changes.
Brandon was not Reba’s biological son. He was the child of Narvel Blackstock – her former husband – and his first wife, Elisa Gilbert. Reba and Narvel were married from 1989 until 2015, and throughout more than two decades together, Reba often expressed that she loved Brandon and his siblings as if they were her own.
Brandon was a familiar figure in the music industry, notably serving as manager to his former wife, Kelly Clarkson. Their marriage began in 2013 and ended in a contentious divorce in 2022. They shared two children together. Before that, from 1999 to 2012, Brandon was married to Melissa Ashworth, and they had two children – Savannah and Seth. Melissa also shared a heartfelt tribute: “Savannah, Seth, and our grandchildren are the best parts of who Brandon and I are. Thank you for all the prayers and condolences.”
After his divorce from Clarkson, Brandon found love again with his partner and business associate, Britney Marie Jones.
Reba’s comment under Shelby’s tribute remains her only public statement so far regarding this loss. It is not only a message of grief but also a quiet confirmation that, despite divorce and the passing years, Brandon was – and always would be – a part of her family and her heart.
During this difficult time, fans and the country music community are offering their deepest condolences to the Blackstock family. For Reba, this is an irreplaceable loss – yet the love and memories will remain, serving as a strong and enduring bond that connects generations.