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New York Post
09-08-2025
- Entertainment
- 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.
Yahoo
08-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson's Ex-Husband and Talent Manager, Dies at 48 from Cancer
Blackstock was a talent manager and the former stepson of Reba McEntireNEED TO KNOW Brandon Blackstock, a talent manager and Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband, has died; he was 48 Blackstock was dad to four children: Savannah, Seth, River and Remington Before his death, Clarkson revealed in an Aug. 6 Instagram post that "this past year, my children's father has been ill," adding that she would be taking time to focus on River and RemingtonBrandon Blackstock, a talent manager known as both the ex-husband of Kelly Clarkson and the former stepson of Reba McEntire, has died. He was 48. "It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away," a rep for the family tells PEOPLE in a statement. "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." On Wednesday, Aug. 6, Clarkson revealed Blackstock had been ill, and she postponed her Las Vegas residency to spend time with their children, River, 11, and Remington, 9. "While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children's father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them," she wrote in a statement, apologizing to fans and expressing appreciation for their "grace, kindness and understanding." Blackstock also had two children from a previous marriage, Savannah and Seth, and became a grandfather in 2022 when his eldest child Savannah gave birth to a son, Lake. In March 2024, Blackstock posed with River and Remington in photos at the Houston Rodeo, where the family enjoyed an outing with Blackstock's brother Shelby and Shelby's mother, Reba McEntire. McEntire was previously married to Blackstock's father, Narvel Blackstock, from 1989 to 2015. Narvel Blackstock previously served as Clarkson's manager, and the singer and her future husband first met at a rehearsal for the Academy of Country Music Awards in May 2006, when Blackstock was still married to ex-wife Melissa Ashworth. "This guy walks by, making everybody laugh. I said, 'I'm gonna end up with him. I know it,' " Clarkson told PEOPLE in 2013. Several years later, they reconnected at the Super Bowl. They were married in October 2013, and her deeply personal 2015 song 'Piece By Piece' was inspired by Blackstock and the stability she felt in their relationship, compared to the abandonment she felt from her father as a child. After their wedding, Blackstock — who was also Blake Shelton's manager — became Clarkson's manager, too. 'I wouldn't have hired Brandon to be my manager if I didn't see first-hand how great he is at that and how much he cares about Blake,' the star told Marie Claire in 2018. 'And the way that [Blake's] career has blown up, I would have hired Brandon regardless. He's really talented at what he does and his mind really does work in a completely different way.' Clarkson ultimately filed for divorce from Blackstock in 2020; they finalized the divorce in 2022. "I think the thing about divorce — especially having it publicized, and people thinking they know the whole thing — the hardest part of that is, like, it wasn't an overnight decision," Clarkson later said of the split in 2023. 'I wanted to make it beautiful. I wanted to make it awesome. I wanted to make it everything it possibly could be, and sometimes that just doesn't happen.' Blackstock is survived by his sons Seth and Remington, daughters Savannah and River, grandson Lake, father Narvel Blackstock, mom Elisa Gayle Ritter and siblings Shelby, Shawna and Chassidy. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
08-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Reba McEntire Said She Loved Brandon Blackstock Like He Was Her 'Blood' Prior to His Death at 48: Inside Their Bond
The country legend previously said she "claims" Blackstock as her own biological sonNEED TO KNOW Reba McEntire had a close relationship with her late stepson Brandon Blackstock McEntire was married to Brandon's dad, Narvel Blackstock, for 26 years until their split in 2015 Through the years, McEntire has made several sweet comments about her relationship with BrandonReba McEntire's bond with Brandon Blackstock was special. The 70-year-old country superstar was the former stepmother to the late talent manager from her previous marriage to ex Narvel Blackstock. Brandon, who died of cancer this week at the age of 48, had a close bond with McEntire throughout his life. 'Brandon's been my son forever it seems,' McEntire told Entertainment Tonight in October 2021, years after her divorce from Narvel. 'Although he's my stepson, I still love him like he's my total — my blood.' McEntire tied the knot with Narvel in 1989 and the former pair were married for 26 years before divorcing in 2015. The exes share son Shelby Blackstock, 35, as well as Narvel's three children — Brandon, Chassidy and Shawna — from his previous marriage to Elisa Gayle Ritter. "I don't consider Brandon, Chassidy and Shawna [Blackstock] stepchildren," McEntire told The Boot in 2010. 'I claim them all.' In December 2023, McEntire shared with PEOPLE that her joy comes in part from her kids and their well-being. "I'm at a really good place in my life," she said at the time. "I'm happy, I'm in love. My kids are all healthy. My family's healthy. So I'm happy." Through the years, Clarkson and McEntire have also opened up about their connection through Brandon. In 2019, the 'Fancy' singer appeared as a guest on The Kelly Clarkson Show, where Clarkson said, 'I ended up marrying your oldest son and you got stuck with me more,' to which McEntire replied, 'Thank goodness, thank goodness.' When Clarkson and Brandon announced their split in 2020, McEntire chose to stay out of the drama between her chosen son and her longtime friend. 'Kelly and I do talk, we text and I love them both, and so I can't play favorites because I've been a friend of Kelly for a long time," McEntire told ET in 2021. For her part, Clarkson said there was no bad blood between her and McEntire in the wake of her tumultuous divorce from Brandon. 'No, not at all. No, I mean we were friends before Brandon and I even got together,' Clarkson said on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen in 2023. 'We text each other all the time. I think we're both women of sound mind that know that life doesn't work out sometimes. She would know best. Literally the same thing. So yeah, no hard feelings there. Just feelings.' In March 2024, Brandon posed with his and Clarkson's kids River, 11, and Remington, 9, in photos at the Houston Rodeo, where the family enjoyed an outing with Brandon's brother Shelby and Shelby's mother, McEntire. The Blackstock family shared the news of Brandon's death on Aug. 7 after privately living with cancer for three years. "It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away," a rep for the family told PEOPLE in a statement. "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's dad Narvel previously served as Clarkson's manager, and the singer and her future husband first met at a rehearsal for the Academy of Country Music Awards in May 2006, when Blackstock was still married to ex-wife Melissa Ashworth. After their 2013 wedding, Brandon — who was also Blake Shelton's manager — became Clarkson's manager, too. On Wednesday, Aug. 6, Clarkson revealed Brandon had been ill, and she postponed her Las Vegas residency to spend time with their children, River and Remington. "While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children's father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them," she wrote in a statement, apologizing to fans and expressing appreciation for their "grace, kindness and understanding." Read the original article on People
Daily Mirror
08-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Brandon Blackstock's career U-turn after Kelly Clarkson divorce before death
Kelly Clarkson's ex-husband Brandon Blackstock died on August 7 at the age of 48 after a battle with cancer, but he had already stepped out of the spotlight Kelly Clarkson's former husband, Brandon Blackstock, has died aged 48 on August 7. However, he chose to step back from the limelight years before his death. Brandon had carved out a career as a talent manager and producer within his father Narvel Blackstock's firm, Starstruck Entertainment. He not only managed Kelly's career but also represented country stars like Blake Shelton and Rascal Flatts. His ties to the music world extended through family as well, with country icon Reba McEntire having been his stepmother. Yet, following his cancer diagnosis three years prior, he had retreated from the music scene. Despite his professional achievements, Brandon was perhaps most famously known as Kelly Clarkson's spouse. The couple tied the knot in 2013 after meeting at a rehearsal for the Academy of Country Music Awards in 2006, where Kelly was working with his father, who was her manager at the time. They reconnected six years later and wed in 2013, sharing two children, while Brandon also had two kids from his previous marriage to Melissa Atworth, reports the Mirror US. Reflecting on her family life, including being a stepmum to Brandon's kids, Kelly shared on a chat show: "I have had teenagers in my house, for like eight years. I had that, we were a blended family, it's real different." Brandon and Kelly's romance initially appeared to be a fairy tale, but it quickly unravelled when Kelly filed for divorce in 2020. The split swiftly became tabloid fodder, followed by a contentious legal wrangle. Following the tumultuous legal proceedings, Brandon seemed to fade from the limelight of the music industry. He shifted his focus towards a rancher lifestyle, and just months before his passing, he was seen with family, including Reba McEntire, at the Houston Rodeo. His family announced his passing on Thursday with a heartfelt statement: "It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away. 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." Kelly previously opened up about her past relationship with Brandon. In 2024, she told how they started dating in early 2012 and married in Walland, Tennessee, in October the following year. At the time, Kelly candidly referred to her 2015 song Piece By Piece, written in honour of her then husband, who she said gave her security her father never did. She said: "I've always known that love is hard. For me, love has always come with this elephant in the room of sadness. I've known love is not forever. I don't mean that to sound depressing, but I think we put a lot of pressure on that word. "Sometimes love is looking at someone and going, 'This is not good for you. This is not good for me.' That's a hard thing to face. But when you do, I think you grow."
Hindustan Times
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Who is Reba McEntire? Brandon Blackstock's former stepmother
Country music legend Reba McEntire is dealing with a heartbreaking loss. Her former stepson, Brandon Blackstock, has passed away at the age of 48 after battling cancer for the last three years. Even though Reba divorced his father, Narvel Blackstock, back in 2015, her bond with Brandon never really faded. Reba McEntire with Brandon Blackstock a few months before his death.(Instagram/@shelbyblackstock) Who is Reba McEntire? Reba McEntire is a popular country singer and is often called 'The Queen Of Country'. She became a big part of Brandon's life when she married Narvel in 1989. And even after things ended with Narvel, Reba never stepped away from being a supportive presence in Brandon's life. Over the years, she often spoke about him and his ex-wife, Kelly Clarkson, with nothing but love. On Watch What Happens Live, Kelly once said that Reba stayed close to both of them and called her friendship with Reba 'genuine.' Reba herself said, 'I love them both… Brandon's my stepson, Kelly's my good friend. I hope they're happy and healthy.' Also read: Brandon Blackstock family: All on the children he shared with ex Kelly Clarkson Their connection went beyond words, too. Kelly brought Reba on The Voice as her team's Mega Mentor. And in an interview with E! News, Reba shared, 'We don't get to see each other as much as we used to, and I hate that.' It was clear they all still shared a real bond. Before Brandon passed, The Sun reported he was seen spending time with Reba, Kelly, and the rest of the family at the Houston Rodeo this March. Those photos feel a lot more emotional now. Brandon, who worked as a talent manager and was married to Kelly Clarkson, died surrounded by loved ones. Despite his tough divorce from Kelly in 2022, Reba stood by him. Kelly Clarkson postponed Vegas residency Kelly Clarkson had previously postponed her Vegas residency. In a social media post, the singer shared that she was taking time off to take care of her kids, River and Remington, and wrote that the father of her children was ill. FAQs Q: What is Reba McEntire's tragedy? A: In 1991, Reba lost eight band members in a tragic plane crash. The event inspired her emotional albums like For My Broken Heart. Q: When did Reba McEntire publicly come out? A: Reba McEntire has not publicly identified with any coming out; she is a private person regarding her personal life. Q: Is Reba McEntire a millionaire? A: Yes, Reba is estimated to be a multimillionaire thanks to her decades-long country music career, business ventures, and philanthropy.
