Tue Oct 28 01:10:00 UTC 2025: News Article:
Reba McEntire Remembers Late Stepson Brandon Blackstock: ‘I Absolutely Loved That Child’
NASHVILLE, TN – Country music legend Reba McEntire is fondly remembering her late stepson, Brandon Blackstock, months after his death from malignant melanoma on August 7th at the age of 48.
McEntire, who was married to Brandon’s father, Narvel Blackstock, for 26 years, shared her memories in a recent cover story with PEOPLE magazine. She described her relationship with Brandon as “precious,” explaining that she helped raise him from a young age alongside his siblings.
“My relationship with my stepson, Brandon Blackstock, was precious,” McEntire, 70, told PEOPLE. “I absolutely loved that child. He came into my life, I guess he was 4 years old. Then when Narvel and I got married, he was 13, 14…Along with his mom and dad, I helped raise him, along with [step kids] Shawna and Chassidy. They were my kids.”
McEntire fondly recalled Brandon’s playful nature and love for pranks, remembering his mischievousness at Starstruck Entertainment, the company owned by his father. “He loved to scare people,” she said. “He brought joy to everybody that met him, and we’ll never forget him.”
Brandon Blackstock, also known as the former husband of singer Kelly Clarkson, had battled cancer for over three years. A family representative confirmed his passing in a statement, noting that he “passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family.”
McEntire had previously expressed her deep affection for Brandon in an October 2021 interview with Entertainment Tonight, stating, “Although he’s my stepson, I still love him like he’s my total — my blood.”
Days after his death, McEntire posted a touching tribute on Instagram, writing, “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. 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.”
McEntire’s heartfelt reflections highlight the enduring bond she shared with Brandon Blackstock, a testament to the enduring power of family, both by blood and by love.
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