Reba McEntire’s Son Breaks Silence On Late Half-Brother Brandon Blackstock

Reba McEntire’s son, Shelby Blackstock, has broken his silence following the death of his half-brother, Brandon Blackstock, who passed away Thursday at the age of 48 after a three-year battle with melanoma.

Brandon was the son of Narvel Blackstock and Elisa Gayle Ritter. Narvel later married Reba in 1989, and together they welcomed Shelby before divorcing in 2015.

On Friday, Shelby, a professional race car driver, posted a moving tribute to Instagram alongside a carousel of throwback photos featuring their family through the years.

“Words cannot begin to capture the tremendous loss our family has endured. Yesterday, we lost a brother, a father, a grandfather, and a son,” he began. “Brandon Blackstock was an irreplaceable part of our family, funny, bright, and full of life, and he will be deeply missed.”

Shelby went on to reflect on the close bond the two shared, writing, “You taught me so much, leaving behind countless cherished memories that I will hold onto forever. For every treasured moment we shared, there are so many more we’ll never get to make together, but I know you’ll still be there. Every hunt, every flight, and in the everyday moments of life, I’ll feel your presence.”

Then, with a bittersweet touch of humor, he added, “And although it may annoy you, you’ll have to watch me do it all just a little better, a little smoother, and, let’s be honest, looking far more handsome than you ever could in the process.”

“We will always miss you, Brandon, and we will never stop loving, remembering and celebrating you,” Shelby concluded.

The heartfelt post included a variety of snapshots, from the brothers embracing to candid shots of Brandon on horseback with a beer in hand, smiling at family gatherings, and sharing moments with Reba.

Brandon’s family confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement, sharing that he had battled cancer for more than three years before passing away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. They expressed gratitude for the outpouring of thoughts and prayers, while asking for privacy as they navigate the difficult days ahead.

Just one day earlier, Clarkson had publicly revealed his illness for the first time, announcing that she was postponing her Las Vegas residency to focus on caring for their children, River and Remington. The singer explained that, while she typically keeps her personal life private, this past year had been especially challenging and her priority needed to be her family.

Over the past year, Clarkson’s string of show cancellations fueled speculation about her own well-being. Now, it’s clear the absences were tied not to her health, but to Blackstock’s.

“It’s been exhausting and so sad,” one insider revealed to Page Six, explaining that Clarkson was juggling the demands of her career while caring for Blackstock during his cancer battle. “Despite their difficult divorce, he was still the man she loved, and the father of her children.”

Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock’s relationship, which began with a whirlwind romance and ended in a highly publicized split, officially came to a close in March 2022 after nearly two years of legal wrangling. The couple, who married in 2013, reached a settlement that detailed substantial financial and custody arrangements.

According to court documents, Clarkson paid Blackstock a one-time lump sum of $1,326,161, along with $115,000 in monthly spousal support until January 31, 2024, a figure reduced from an initial $150,000 during negotiations.

In addition, she was ordered to pay $45,601 per month in child support until their children turn 18, graduate high school, or become self-supporting.

The settlement granted Clarkson primary physical custody, with the children residing with her in Los Angeles, while Blackstock retained joint legal custody and specific visitation rights. He was allotted the first and fifth weekends of each month in Los Angeles, plus the third weekend in Montana, alongside daily FaceTime calls and split holiday schedules for occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

While Shelby Blackstock has shared a heartfelt tribute to his late half-brother, both Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson have remained silent in the wake of Brandon’s passing.

Neither has issued a public statement, choosing instead to grieve privately alongside their families during this difficult time.