(NewsNation) — Reba McEntire posted a tribute to former stepson Brandon Blackstock, who died last week of cancer.
The country music star posted a carousel of photos of herself and Blackstock, 48, on Instagram on Tuesday, 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 in God’s presence.”
Brandon Blackstock, who was married to Kelly Clarkson before they divorced in 2022, died from melanoma, a form of skin cancer, Silver Bow County Coroner Dan Hollis said per People magazine. His manner of death was from natural causes.
Reba McEntire was married to Brandon Blackstock’s father
McEntire added in her post remembering Blackstock, “There is no one else like him, and I’m thankful for the time we had together. His legacy and laughter will be carried on through his family. Rest in peace cowboy. Happy trails to you til we meet again.”
The “Reba” star was married to Blackstock’s father, TV producer Narvel Blackstock, before divorcing in 2015, according to the New York Post.
McEntire and Narvel Blackstock share a son, Shelby Blackstock, 35, who paid tribute to his brother in a heartfelt post.
“Words cannot begin to capture the tremendous loss our family has endured,” Shelby Blackstock wrote. “He taught me so much, leaving behind countless cherished memories that I will hold onto forever.”
Shelby Blackstock added a little jab at his late brother in his Instagram post, writing, “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.”
News of Brandon Blackstock’s death came a day after Clarkson postponed the remaining shows of her Las Vegas residency “to be fully present” for her children, whom she shared with the former talent manager.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” a rep for the family said in a statement at the time of his death. “Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”
NewsNation’s Paula Froelich first reported in April that Blackstock had been sick and that Clarkson took their children to see him.
Brandon Blackstock was dating Kelly Clarkson’s former assistant
His obituary revealed Blackstock was dating Brittney Marie Jones, whom the obituary describes as his “beautiful and loving partner in life and business.”
According to her LinkedIn, Jones worked for Clarkson as her former production assistant in Nashville between 2016 and 2018.
In December 2018, she started working as an executive management assistant for Blackstock.
Jones became an executive assistant for V Bar B Cattle Co., a Montana ranch owned by Blackstock, in June 2020 – the same month that the “Since U Been Gone” singer filed for divorce.
Blackstock is survived by his four kids. His daughter River Rose, 11, and son Remington Alexander, 9, were shared with Clarkson.
The talent manager had two children from a previous marriage, Savannah and Seth, and became a grandfather in 2022.