Reba McEntire Shares Heartfelt Tribute to Late Stepson Brandon Blackstock. Reba McEntire has penned an emotional message in memory of her stepson, Brandon Blackstock, just five days after his passing at the age of 48. In a touching Instagram post on Tuesday night, the country legend reflected on his life, his vibrant spirit, and the moments they shared.
“Last week, my stepson/oldest son Brandon Blackstock went home to be with God. His struggle is over and he is in eternal peace in God’s presence,” Reba wrote. “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.”
Brandon died on August 7 following a three-year battle with melanoma. Reba became Brandon’s stepmother in 1989 when she married Narvel Blackstock. Though the couple divorced in 2015, she remained close to Brandon and continued to think of him as one of her own.
Her son, Shelby Blackstock—Brandon’s half-brother—also honored his memory with a heartfelt Instagram post, sharing snapshots from their many adventures together.
“Words cannot begin to capture the tremendous loss our family has endured,” Shelby wrote. “Yesterday, we lost a brother, a father, a grandfather, and a son. Brandon was funny, bright, and full of life, and he will be deeply missed. For every moment we shared, there are so many more we’ll never get to make, but I know you’ll still be there—in every hunt, every flight, and every ordinary day.”
Adding a touch of humor, Shelby teased, “And although it may annoy 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 could.”
Brandon was also known for his marriage to Kelly Clarkson from 2013 to 2020. The former couple shared two children, River (11) and Remington (9), and he was also father to Savannah (23) from a previous marriage.
A celebration of life will be held on August 17, with friends and family invited to join. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Brandon Blackstock Memorial Fund through the Montana Stockgrowers Foundation.
