Reba McEntire Looks Back on Her “Precious” Bond and Lasting Love for Late Stepson: “I Absolutely Love That Child”

Back in 1989, Reba McEntire walked down the aisle, marrying Narvel Blackstock. At the same time, she became the stepmother to Brandon Blackstock. Although he was a teenager when Reba and Narvel married, she had known him since he was just 4 years old. While Reba and Narvel eventually divorced in 2015, she never stopped loving the children she helped raise. Sadly, with Brandon passing away after battling cancer for several years, the country icon continued to hold his memory close. 

Aside from growing up alongside Reba, Brandon eventually married another singer, Kelly Clarkson. Together, they had two children. With the news of his passing ripping through the family, Clarkson decided to take a break from the spotlight to focus on their children. And for Reba, she recently opened up about who Brandon was. 

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Speaking with PEOPLE, she said, “My relationship with my stepson, Brandon Blackstock, was precious. I absolutely love that child,” Reba continued, “Along with his mom and dad, I helped raise him, along with Shawna [Shawna Rene Blackstock] and Chass [Chassidy Celeste Blackstock] and Shelby [Shelby Blackstock]. And they were my kids. And I absolutely love all four of them, and they’re real tight. They’re very close, and Brandon is sorely missed. Truly missed.”

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Reba McEntire Leans On Faith To Navigate The Loss Of Brandon Blackstock

With Reba never forgetting the young boy who grew up in her house, she promised, “With his mischievousness and his love of life, he brought joy to everybody that met him, and we’ll never forget him.” 

Just last month, at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, Reba offered some insight into how the family was handling the devastating loss. “We miss him. We miss him every minute. The kids are doing well. They’re all bonding together and hanging out with each other, and taking it one day at a time.”

While leaning on her faith to guide her through the mourning process, Reba found peace, concluding, “We know God’s got this.”

Alongside Reba, Brandon’s brother, Shelby, also offered a touching tribute, labeling him “funny, bright, and full of life.” Leaving behind both friends and family, Shebly knew he would always be “deeply missed.”

(Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for ACM)