Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo boosts vocational scholarships to new record, addressing skilled-labor shortage
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New York Post
09-08-2025
- New York Post
How Reba McEntire supported ex-stepson Brandon Blackstock in final months before his death
Reba McEntire brought the family together in the last months of Brandon Blackstock's life. The 'Fancy' singer's former stepson, who was also Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband, died on Thursday, August 7, at age 48 after a private battle with cancer. Sources are now sharing how McEntire, 70, was there for Blackstock before his passing. The Grammy winner was previously married to Blackstock's father, Narvel Blackstock. 14 Narvel Blackstock, Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson, and Brandon Blackstock in Phoenix, AZ, on March 28, 2015. Michael Buckner 14 Reba McEntire with Brandon Blackstock, Shelby Blackstock and others at the Houston Rodeo in March. Instagram/shelbyblackstock 'Reba has spent more time with the Blackstock crew in the past year than in years prior,' an insider told Us Weekly in an interview published on Friday, August 8. While the source noted that the years past were 'contentious,' they added that McEntire, her ex-husband and the rest of the clan 'really came together' in the past several months. In March, the country superstar was photographed smiling sweetly at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo alongside her ailing ex-stepson and her biological son, Shelby, the only child she shares with Narvel. 14 Reba McEntire with Brandon Blackstock, Shelby Blackstock and others at the Houston Rodeo in March. Instagram/shelbyblackstock 14 Reba McEntire with Brandon Blackstock, Shelby Blackstock and others at the Houston Rodeo in March. Instagram/shelbyblackstock McEntire was also one of the three headliners at the event, with the source sharing that the exes pushed their feelings aside and were a united front in the months leading up to Blackstock's passing. 'Narvel and his wife, Laura, and Reba's boyfriend, Rex, are at a place where they can be together and talk, which is a big step,' the insider told the outlet. 'Reba has a heart of gold, and she was there for Brandon and his kids. They are family at the end of the day.' McEntire and Blackstock's father married in 1989 while he was her music manager. They announced their separation in 2015 and finalized their divorce that year. 14 Narvel Blackstock and Reba McEntire at the American Country Countdown Awards in Nashville, Tennessee, on December 15, 2014. Jason Merritt 14 McEntire is seen attending the NBCUniversal Upfront 2025 at Radio City Music Hall in Midtown, Manhattan on May 12, 2025. GC Images The 'Consider Me Gone' singer has been in a committed relationship with actor Rex Linn, 68, since 2020. More than a decade before his passing, McEntire spoke about her unbreakable bond with her stepchildren, which also included Narvel's other children from his first marriage, Chassidy and Shawna. 'I don't consider Brandon, Chassidy and Shawna [Blackstock] stepchildren. I claim them all,' she told The Boot in 2010. 14 Shelby Blackstock and Brandon Blackstock. Shelby Blackstock/Instagram 14 Brandon Blackstock attends the 25th Annual Critics' Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California, on January 12, 2020. Getty Images However, the country superstar revealed years later that time and distance made it hard to stay a family unit. 'I don't ever see the grandkids,' she confessed to People in 2018. 'It was a lot better when everybody was not so busy, but I've got seven grandchildren, so they're scattered all over the country and busy doing stuff. But I love them.' McEntire's love for Blackstock never wavered, though. 14 (L-R) Reba McEntire, Warner Music Nashville's President and CEO John Espositio, Blake Shelton, Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson at Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, California, on February 12, 2012. Getty Images for InStyle 14 Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson in Nashville, Tennessee, on June 07, 2007. MJT/AdMedia / 14 Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles, California, on November 19, 2017. Getty Images for dcp 'Brandon's been my son forever, it seems,' she told Entertainment Tonight in 2021, just four years before his death. '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.' She also had a tight relationship with Blackstock's ex-wife, Clarkson. In 2023, the singers appeared on Season 23 of 'The Voice,' with Clarkson serving as judge and McEntire as a mega mentor. 14 Remington Alexander Blackstock, Savannah Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson, River Rose Blackstock, Brandon Blackstock, Seth Blackstock. STX Films World Premiere Of 'UglyDolls' in Los Angeles on April 27, 2019. / Blackstock and the 'Since U Been Gone' singer married in 2013, and they had two children together: daughter River, 11, and son Remington 'Remy,' 9. He also had two kids from his first marriage: daughter Savannah, 23, and son, Seth, 18. Clarkson filed for divorce in 2020, citing irreconcilable differences, but their battle was drawn-out and contentious. Despite the bad blood, sources told Page Six that the talk show host was there for Blackstock, caring for him and bringing their kids to visit their father, up until his death. 14 Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson in Los Angeles. MediaPunch / BACKGRID She canceled the remaining August shows of her Las Vegas residency the night before her ex-husband's passing, revealing that Blackstock was seriously ill. Hours later, his family announced he had passed away. 'It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has died. Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years,' his family said in a statement obtained by The Post. 14 Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson backstage after she performed songs from her new album 'The Meaning of Life' at The Rainbow Room in New York City on September 6, 2017. Kevin Mazur '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,' they concluded. McEntire's son, Shelby, paid tribute to his half-brother in an emotional separate post. 'Words cannot begin to capture the tremendous loss our family has endured. Yesterday, we lost a brother, a father, a grandfather, and a son,' Shelby wrote. 'Brandon Blackstock was an irreplaceable part of our family—funny, bright, and full of life—and he will be deeply missed.' Clarkson is said to be 'devastated' for her kids. She sparked concern earlier this year when she went missing in action from 'The Kelly Clarkson Show' without explanation. Insiders confirmed to Page Six that the singer-songwriter's absences this past season were due to Blackstock's illness, with sources telling TMZ that new episodes of Clarkson's syndicated program are still slated to air in September despite her ex-husband's death.
Business Journals
15-05-2025
- Business Journals
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo boosts vocational scholarships to new record, addressing skilled-labor shortage
Houston's rapid growth has led to a shortage of skilled workers in various fields. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo aims to help address that shortage and provide opportunities for local students considering career paths beyond the traditional four-year college route.
The Sun
29-04-2025
- The Sun
Rarely seen 80s rock legend unrecognizable as he's spotted on day out in LA – 44 years after smash hit song
AN EIGHTIES music legend looked unrecognisable as he stepped out in Los Angeles. The singer-songwriter, 76, was the lead singer and frontman of an American group, best known for its 1981 hit Don't Stop Believin'. 6 6 Yet Steve Perry left fans doing a double take as he took a stroll in a baggy black logo top and shorts, paired with dark trainers. The Journey hitmaker was seen running errands with a paper bag tucked under his left arm. The California-born singer, who had two stints in the band known for hits Open Arms and Separate Ways, pulled on a pair of sunglasses as he made his way down the street. He appeared to be eager to go incognito, gazing down at the ground with a calm expression on his face as he walked with his new partner. Steve quit Journey for the second time back in 1998, due to personal reasons. At the time, he old SiriusXM station Trunk Nation: "The reason I left is because I was just truly burned out. "My love for music was getting really, really questionable within my heart, and I kind of had to stop. "There was no easy way to stop, leaving the mothership that I had so loved and worked so hard with the guys to build. "It was tough. I didn't tell nobody — I just kept working, and then all of a sudden, it just kind of hit the wall, and I said, 'I can't do this anymore." He also spoke out in 2017 when the band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame and simply said: "I am truly grateful that Journey is being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame." Seventies rock legends forced to cancel concert during hit song - months after ditching UK tour last minute The band currently consists of singer Arnel Pineda, guitarist Neal Schon, drummer Deen Castronovo, keyboardist and guitarist Jonathan Cain, bassist Todd Jensen and Jason Derlatka. TRICKY JOURNEY Steve's former band faced a sticky situation in March after they were forced to cancel a gig while performing one of their greatest hits. Journey were performing at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo when an 'electrical incident' occurred. The band were performing one of their biggest hits - Don't Stop Believin' - as the fifth song in their set. But suddenly, power on the stage went off, and initially the crowd continued to sing the lyrics of the 1981 smash hit. However, crew then took to the stage with fire extinguishers and soon after, a statement was released to the fans to reveal the rest of the concert had unfortunately been cancelled. The cancellation came months after Journey cancelled their 2024 UK tour at the last minute. But back in August, with members embroiled in a legal battle, the band gave no explanation as they put the decision down to "circumstances beyond their control". "Due to circumstances beyond the band's control, Journey's UK and Ireland tour is unfortunately cancelled. "Refunds will be made from your point of purchase." The 50th anniversary tour, which had already travelled across the U.S., was set to begin in Cardiff in October and travel to cities including Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham and London. 6 6 6
