Brandon Blackstock and Reba McEntire: How Are They Related? originally appeared on Parade.
As confirmed by a rep for his family in a statement, Kelly Clarkson‘s ex-husband Brandon Blackstock died today at the age of 48 following a several years-long battle with cancer. Following his tragic death, fans are wondering about the talent manager’s connection to another famous female singer (and close friend of Clarkson’s): Reba McEntire.
Is Brandon Blackstock Reba McEntire’s Son?
Blackstock was McEntire’s former stepson, as the country star was married to his father, Narvel Blackstock, from 1989 to 2015. She was previously married to Charlie Battles from 1976 to 1987, according to People.
During an interview with Extra in 2021, McEntire refused to take sides when asked about Clarkson and Blackstock’s split the year before (the couple’s divorce was finalized in 2022).
“You know, I love them both, Brandon’s my stepson, Kelly’s my good friend and I’m pulling for both of them,” McEntire said, adding, “I hope they’re happy and healthy and pull through this.”
“I pray that everybody gives them the encouragement that they can because they need it right now, both of them,” she continued. “I love them both with all my heart.”
While chatting with Andy Cohen during a 2023 appearance on Watch What Happens Live, Clarkson said her split from Blackstock didn’t affect her relationship with McEntire.
“Not at all. We were friends before Brandon and I got together,” she explained.
“We text each other all the time,” the Grammy winner continued, adding that they’re “both women of sound mind that know that life doesn’t work out sometimes.”
Related: Kelly Clarkson Called Co-Parenting with Brandon Blackstock ‘Tough’ Before His Death
Brandon Blackstock and Reba McEntire: How Are They Related? first appeared on Parade on Aug 7, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
