Country music legend Reba McEntire has publicly mourned her stepson Brandon Blackstock in an emotional social media tribute, breaking her silence following his death from melanoma. The heartfelt message honors their enduring bond and asks for prayers for the grieving family.
Brandon Blackstock, a prominent music industry manager and ex-husband of singer Kelly Clarkson, passed away at age 48 after a three-year battle with melanoma. His death was confirmed by family representatives who noted he died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones. The cancer ultimately led to natural causes of death.
McEntire posted her tribute on X (formerly Twitter) on August 13, 2025, 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.’ She described him as a unique individual whose ‘legacy and laughter will be carried on through his family,’ signing off with ‘Happy trails to you til we meet again.’
The tribute highlights McEntire’s lasting connection to Blackstock despite divorcing his father Narvel Blackstock in 2015 after 26 years of marriage. During their marriage, she helped raise Brandon and his sister Chassidy. Her reference to him as her ‘oldest son’ underscores their enduring bond beyond the legal step-relationship.
Brandon’s death has significantly impacted the entertainment community. Kelly Clarkson, his ex-wife and mother of his two youngest children, postponed her Las Vegas residency to support their children during his final illness. Fellow country icon Dolly Parton has publicly offered comfort to both McEntire and Clarkson.
Blackstock is survived by his wife Brittney Marie Jones (married in 2022) and four children: Savannah and Seth from a previous relationship, and River Rose (11) and Remington Alexander (9) with Clarkson. A private funeral was held earlier in Nashville for immediate family.
Moving forward, the family requests privacy as they navigate their grief. McEntire’s public tribute serves as both a cathartic expression of loss and a call for communal support through prayers. The music industry is expected to see continued outpourings of support for the affected families in coming weeks.