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Reba McEntire<\/b> is reflecting on the deep bond she shared with her late stepson, <\/span>Brandon Blackstock<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n In an exclusive interview with <\/span>People<\/span><\/i>, the country music legend opened up about the loss of Brandon, who was also the former husband of singer <\/span>Kelly Clarkson<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cMy relationship with my stepson, Brandon Blackstock, was precious,\u201d McEntire said. \u201cI absolutely loved that child. He came into my life when he was about four years old. Then, when Narvel and I got married, he was 13 or 14.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n McEntire went on to share how she helped raise him alongside his parents. \u201cAlong with his mom and dad, I helped raise him, along with [stepkids] Shawna and Chassidy,\u201d she said. \u201cThey were my kids.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n The singer also reminisced about Brandon\u2019s<\/span> playful spirit<\/span><\/a>. \u201cHe loved to scare people,\u201d McEntire recalled.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019d be at the office at Starstruck in Nashville, and I\u2019d see Penny Chubb [a Starstruck Entertainment employee] walk by on her way to the ladies\u2019 room. Then here comes Brandon \u2014 he\u2019d hide behind a pillar just waiting to jump out and startle her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Blackstock, a well-known talent manager, died on August 17, 2025, at the <\/span>age of 48<\/span><\/a> following a three-year battle with skin cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,\u201d a representative told <\/span>People<\/span><\/i><\/a>. \u201cBrandon 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\u2019s privacy during this very difficult time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Blackstock was married to Clarkson from 2013 to 2022. The former couple, who share two children together, finalized their divorce in March 2022 \u2014 two years after Clarkson first filed in 2020.<\/span><\/p>\n Following the news of his passing, McEntire shared a heartfelt tribute on <\/span>Instagram<\/span><\/a>, writing, \u201cLast week, my stepson \u2014 my oldest son \u2014 Brandon Blackstock went home to be with God. His struggle is over and he is in eternal peace in God\u2019s presence.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n