Reba McEntire's Comments on Her Stepson Brandon Blackstock Resurface After His Death at 48

Reba McEntire’s past remarks about her stepson, Brandon Blackstock, and his high-profile divorce have resurfaced following his recent passing. The comments have taken on new meaning in light of the family’s loss.

Since the announcement of Brandon Blackstock's death at age 48 on August 7, 2025, comments his stepmother made about his divorce have resurfaced. Reba McEntire's remarks, originally shared in 2021, followed the news that Brandon and Kelly Clarkson were separating in 2020 after seven years of marriage.

Speaking about the former couple's separation, Reba explained that she wasn't going to take sides. In an interview, she said, "Kelly and I do talk, we text [sic] and I love them both, and so I can't play favorites because I've been a friend of Kelly for a long time."

The country music icon was previously married to Brandon's father, Narvel Blackstock. After 26 years of marriage, Reba and Narvel released a joint statement in August 2015 announcing their mutual decision to part ways.

Their statement, which appeared on Reba's website, read, "Despite this being the end of their marriage, they continue to support each other," adding, "They have worked together for 35 years and will continue to do so. They have asked that you respect their privacy during this time."

By December of that same year, the legendary country singer shared an update about the divorce in a Facebook comment, writing, "Narvel and I are divorced. It was final [sic] October 28."

Although Brandon and Reba weren't related by blood, she still considered him her own and only had positive words about him and Kelly. She said, "Brandon's been my son forever [sic] it seems. Although he's my stepson, I still love him like he's my total -- my blood, so I'm praying for 'em both 'cause I love 'em both."

In a separate interview, Reba was asked whether she had mentored Kelly or offered her advice, given her own experience with divorce.

She emphasized again how much she loves the pair, noting that Kelly is her "good friend." The artist added, "I'm pulling for both of them. I hope they're happy and healthy and pull through this. I pray that everybody gives them the encouragement that they can, because they need it right now. Both of them do. I love them both with all my heart."

During a June 2023 appearance on "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen," Kelly also discussed her relationship with Reba following her divorce from Brandon. "The Kelly Clarkson Show" host said their bond remained strong, especially since they'd been friends long before she married Brandon.

Kelly, whose divorce from Brandon was finalized in 2022, also shared that they still text regularly. She added, "Women of sound mind that know that life doesn't work out sometimes, I mean well, she would know best [...]," referencing Reba's divorce.

Laughing, Kelly said there were no hard feelings between them, "just feelings!" She also revealed that she and her former stepmother continued to work together on "The Voice" after her separation from Brandon. Kelly credits Reba as a major influence on her career.

Her divorce from Brandon was contentious, and they later got involved in various legal proceedings. Since news of Brandon's death was announced this week, a source has shared how Kelly coped with his private, three-year battle with cancer and how she is handling his passing.

The source said, "When she found out that he was sick, she remained protective of him for their sake," referring to their two children. The insider continued, "Kelly has always tried to keep things classy. It became clear earlier this year that Brandon was not doing well. She's been devastated for the kids."

Even though they were divorced, the source said Kelly understood how vital her children's relationship with their father was.

They said, "The divorce was incredibly difficult for her — messy, painful [sic] and something she felt terrible about. But she always wanted her kids to have the best relationship possible with their dad. She never spoke poorly about Brandon to the kids."

A representative for the family announced Brandon's passing from cancer, stating, "It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away."

The last social media post featuring Brandon with Reba, his half-brother Shelby Blackstock, and other family members appeared in March 2025. Shelby, the son of Reba and Narvel, shared multiple Instagram photos of their time at Rodeo Houston.

He mentioned that it was the first rodeo experience for his wife, Marissa Blackstock. Shelby expressed how much he cherished the family time and noted they also attended Reba's concert.

In the first photo, Brandon appeared on the far left, and in the fourth slide, he was seen playing a game as Shelby watched. Kelly's ex-husband was positioned to the right in the fifth slide, and in the sixth one, he was centered in the frame.

The final image captured the family smiling together for another group photo.

A change to Kelly's performance schedule seemed to foreshadow the news of Brandon's death.

On August 6, 2025, Kelly suddenly changed her plans, putting her Las Vegas shows on hold. The decision, shared with fans this week, appears to have pointed to an urgent situation unfolding behind the scenes.

Kelly stepped away from the stage to focus on her family by announcing the postponement of her Las Vegas residency due to a family health emergency. In a statement shared on Instagram, Kelly revealed that her ex-husband has been ill.

Kelly announced that the remaining August dates of her Las Vegas Studio Sessions would be postponed. She shared that Brandon has been ill over the past year and said she now needs to focus on being fully present for their children during this time.

Following her announcement, fans quickly responded with support. One wrote, "I'm glad she's prioritizing her kids while their father addresses his health issue. Despite the difficulties he caused, I genuinely wish him the best for his recovery."

Others echoed the sentiment. "The kids come first." One commenter noted, "It takes a very special person to be this mature after the things he put her through. I'm glad she's putting her kids’ wellbeing first."

Several expressed concern for the seriousness of the situation. "It must be serious for her to say this. I hope she and the kids can get through how this effects[sic] them with support, grace, and love."

Messages of empathy also poured in. "I feel your pain and I truly understand your decision. I hope everything turns out well. I love you," one person wrote. Another added, "❤️🙏🏼 I'm so sorry for what you're going through. Prayers he gets better and for your whole family. Family comes before anything else [sic]."

Not all comments were lengthy. "That's so sad sorry," one simply stated. Another reacted with, "That's insane." As of now, no rescheduled dates have been announced. Kelly has also not shared further details.

The singer had already encountered difficulties with her Las Vegas residency before the latest postponement. On July 4, Kelly canceled the opening night of her "Studio Sessions" just 90 minutes before showtime, citing vocal strain.

The announcement came as fans gathered at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, many unaware until shortly before the performance was set to begin. In a statement on Instagram, Kelly said the intense preparation and rehearsals had "taken a toll" on her voice.

She explained that the team had worked around the clock to create an intimate and extraordinary experience and that she needed time to rest to protect her voice from long-term damage.

She also praised her band and promised a strong return once fully recovered. However, a source later revealed that the situation may be more complex. Speaking to Page Six, the insider described Kelly's personal life as "insanely complicated," noting that she is dealing with "serious hidden battles" causing both emotional and physical strain.

Some of those challenges appear to stem from her past relationship. Kelly's children with Brandon are River, 10, and Remington, 8. The two finalized their divorce in 2022 after a lengthy legal battle. As part of the settlement, Kelly agreed to a one-time payment to Brandon and ongoing monthly child support.

She began paying $45,601 per month for the care of their two children. The agreement also included a mutual decision to vaccinate the children against COVID-19 at the time.

The emotional toll of the split found its way into her music. While creating her album "Chemistry," Kelly described the writing process as a necessary outlet during a painful chapter in her life.

"It was really delving into what happened in my life and why, and what am I going to do about it?" she said. She spoke candidly about the challenges of divorce, describing the process as emotionally isolating.

Kelly called the ability to express herself through music "a blessing," adding that it helped her manage overwhelming emotions like depression and grief.

Releasing the album felt empowering. "I'm taking my power back," she said, crediting therapy with helping her gain perspective and tools to navigate both life and relationships.

In a 2023 appearance on the "Angie Martinez IRL" podcast, Kelly reflected on the record as a full account of her recent years. While much of it was shaped by heartbreak, she noted that it also captured "magical moments."

Kelly Clarkson shared that she had once been deeply in love and described the pain of that love ending as something that "rips you apart." Kelly also emphasized that divorce is rarely a sudden decision. She said it often comes after years and years of trying to make things work, before realizing it no longer can.