What Reba Has Said About Stepson Brandon Blackstock Over The Years, “I Love Him Like He’s My Blood”Published Aug 8, 2025 By Megan Grisham 
Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband and Reba’s stepson died in August 2025. (Photo Credit: Michael Buckner / Getty Images for Celebrity Fight Night)
Reba McEntire’s Stepson, Brandon Blackstock, Has Passed Away After A Three-Year Battle With Cancer
On Thursday, August 7, Brandon Blackstock died at the age of 48 after a private battle with cancer. His death was confirmed in a statement released by his family.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” the statement began. “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.”
Brandon had worked as a talent manager for many years, representing high-profile artists like Rascal Flatts and Blake Shelton. He also managed his ex-wife, Kelly Clarkson, for a period of time before their split.
Brandon had been connected to the music industry long before his own career as a manager, though. His father, Narvel Blackstock, was also an artist manager and was married to Reba McEntire.
The two got married when Brandon was just 12 years old and were together for nearly 26 years before divorcing in 2015.
Reba Has Talked Openly About Brandon Over The Years
When Reba married Narvel in 1989, the two not only had one child together, a son named Shelby, but the country singer also took on the role of stepmother to Narvel’s three children from his previous marriage: Brandon, Chassidy, and Shawna.
However, she never saw them as just stepchildren and welcomed them with open arms, treating them as her own.
“I don’t consider Brandon, Chassidy, and Shawna stepchildren. I claim them all,” McEntire once said during a 2010 interview with The Boot.
Even after her divorce, Reba maintained a good relationship with her stepkids.
When Brandon married Kelly in 2013 and their relationship was put in the spotlight, Reba was often asked about him. It actually made for a unique family dynamic, especially since Reba had already been friends with Kelly before the marriage.
“She’s married [to] my oldest son, Brandon, but we’re also good friends,” McEntire said to Us Weekly in 2019. “So that goes a long way…when you can have a good friend as a part of your family.”
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The “Fancy” singer was always supportive of them, and she remained that way after Kelly had filed for divorce in 2020.
In 2021, Reba was asked about the split and continued to speak kindly about both of them. She especially made sure to show love and support for her stepson.
However, she always made it clear that she wouldn’t pick sides.
“Brandon’s been my son forever, it seems,” McEntire said to Entertainment Tonight in 2022. “Although he’s my stepson, I still love him like he’s my total — my blood, so I’m praying for them both because I love them both.”
Even in his final months, Brandon was seen spending time with his family, including Reba.
Back in March, his half-brother shared a series of photos on Instagram showing himself, Brandon, and other family members enjoying their time at RodeoHouston, where Reba also performed.
You can see some of the most recent photos of Reba with her stepson, Brandon Blackstock, below.