Brandon Blackstock‘s relationship with his former stepmother, Reba McEntire, remained strong through their respective divorces.

Following her 1989 marriage to the talent manager’s father, Narvel Blackstock, the country superstar became close to Brandon.

Brandon’s been my son forever it seems,” McEntire told Entertainment Tonight in October 2021. “Although he’s my stepson, I still love him like he’s my total — my blood.”

McEntire even gave Brandon her seal of approval ahead of his marriage to Kelly Clarkson in 2013. “She’s married [to] my oldest son, Brandon, but we’re also good friends,” the Reba alum told Us Weekly in March 2019 about her close bond with Clarkson. “So that goes a long way — when you can have a good friend as a part of your family.”

McEntire and Narvel announced in August 2015 that they had decided to end their marriage after 26 years together. “Despite this being the end of their marriage, they continue to support each other,” the Big Machine Label Group said in a statement at the time. “They have worked together for 35 years and will continue to do so. They have asked that you respect their privacy during this time.”

Clarkson, meanwhile, filed for divorce in June 2020, citing “irreconcilable differences” between her and Brandon. Through the pair’s heated divorce and legal battle, McEntire publicly shared her support for both her stepson and his estranged wife.

In August 2025, Brandon died at age 48 following a private battle with cancer.

“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away. Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family,” a rep for the family said in a statement to Us. “We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”

Keep scrolling to learn more about Brandon and McEntire’s bond over the years: