Following the death of Brandon Blackstock at age 48 after a private cancer battle, Reba McEntire’s past comments about him have resurfaced. In 2021, after news broke of Brandon’s separation from Kelly Clarkson, Reba expressed her love for both and refused to take sides, calling Kelly a longtime friend and Brandon “like my own son.” Reba was previously married to Brandon’s father, Narvel Blackstock, for 26 years before their 2015 divorce.
Kelly and Brandon finalized their divorce in 2022 after a lengthy legal process, but Reba maintained a close bond with both. Kelly later confirmed that her friendship with Reba remained strong, even after the split, noting they had been friends before her marriage. They continued to work together on “The Voice,” with Kelly crediting Reba as a major influence on her career.
A source shared that when Kelly learned of Brandon’s illness, she focused on protecting their two children, River and Remington, and supporting their relationship with their father. Despite the challenges of their divorce, Kelly avoided speaking negatively about Brandon to the kids and recently postponed her Las Vegas shows to be present for them during his illness.
Brandon’s last public appearance with family, including Reba, was in March 2025 at Rodeo Houston. His passing has brought renewed attention to the mutual respect and compassion shown between him, Kelly, and Reba despite past difficulties—highlighting the importance of family bonds, even in the face of loss.