Reba McEntire shared an update on Kelly Clarkson’s kids and how they’re coping with dad Brandon Blackstock’s death.
McEntire, 70, remembered her late stepson during an interview with Entertainment Tonight at the 2025 Emmy Awards on Sunday, September 14.
“We miss him. We miss him every minute,” the Happy’s Place star said when asked how she and her family are doing one month after Blackstock died at age 48 after a private battle with cancer.
McEntire also opened up about Blackstock’s four children. The former talent manager shared daughter Savannah, 23, and son Seth, 18, with ex-wife Melissa Ashworth and daughter River, 11, and son Remy, 9, with ex-wife Clarkson, 43.
“The kids are doing well, they’re all bonding together and hanging out with each other, and taking it one day at a time,” McEntire said. “We know God’s got this.”
Us Weekly confirmed Blackstock’s death on August 7.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” a rep for his family shared in a statement to Us. “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.”
McEntire, who was married to Brandon’s father, Narvel Blackstock, from 1989 to 2015 and remained close with her stepson, paid tribute to Brandon via social media after his death. She first responded to an Instagram post from son Shelby Blackstock before sharing a tribute of her own.
“Words cannot begin to capture the tremendous loss our family has endured. Yesterday, we lost a brother, a father, a grandfather, and a son,” Shelby’s post read. “Brandon Blackstock was an irreplaceable part of our family — funny, bright, and full of life — and he will be deeply missed.”
McEntire commented, “Very well said Shelby. Yes we will miss him so much 💔💔🙏💔❤️❤️❤️🙏💔.”
The “I’m a Survivor” singer then took to her page with a photo of herself and Brandon.
“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,” she wrote. “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.”
While Clarkson has yet to speak publicly about Brandon’s death, she did postpone the remaining dates of her Las Vegas residency in August due to her ex-husband’s declining health just one day before his death was announced.
“While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children’s father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them. I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding,” she wrote via Instagram at the time.
Clarkson and Blackstock tied the knot in 2013. The former Voice coach filed for divorce in 2020, and the split was finalized in 2022, with Clarkson gaining primary custody of their children.
