PHOTOSBrandon Blackstock Went to a Rodeo With Former Stepmom Reba McEntire 5 Months Before His Death: Photos
Reba McEntire was once married to Brandon Blackstock's dad, Narvel Blackstock.
Aug. 8 2025, Published 2:58 p.m. ET
Though Reba McEntire and Narvel Blackstock split in 2015, the country superstar still maintained a relationship with her former stepson Brandon Blackstock before he sadly passed away on Thursday, August 7.
In March, the exes' son, Shelby Blackstock, posted photos from when the blended brood went to a rodeo together in Texas.
Brandon Blackstock hung out with ex-stepmom Reba McEntire four months before he died.
"Family time, the @rodeohouston & corn dogs! We had a blast in Houston watching @rissablackstock experience her first rodeo & being able to spend cherished time with family!" Shelby wrote in the caption of a March 4 upload. "Mom's concert was the icing on the cake!"
Both Brandon and Reba were in several of the pictures, as was Brandon's daughter Savannah Blackstock Lee and the two kids he shared with ex-wife Kelly Clarkson, daughter River Rose and son Remington Alexander.
Reba's current boyfriend, Rex Linn, also tagged along for the outing.
Reba McEntire was married to Brandon Blackstock's dad, Narvel Blackstock, from 1989 to 2015.
As OK! reported, Brandon was 48 when he died from melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.
"It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away. Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family," his loved ones shared in a statement. "We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family's privacy during this very difficult time."
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The country star and Narvel Blackstock welcomed son Shelby during their marriage.
In addition to staying in contact with Brandon, Reba also still talks to his ex-wife.
"Kelly and I do talk, we text and I love them both, and so I can’t play favorites because I’ve been a friend of Kelly for a long time," she told a reporter a few years ago.
Neither of the women have commented on the death, though the American Idol alum announced one day prior that she was postponing her Las Vegas residency because of her former spouse.
"Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas. 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," the "A Moment Like This" crooner shared on Instagram. "I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding."
Brandon Blackstock died from melanoma at age 48.
Despite Kelly and Brandon's romance ending in 2020, with the divorce being finalized two years later, a source said the talk show host "remained protective of him for their [kids'] sake."
“Kelly has always tried to keep things classy. It became clear earlier this year that Brandon was not doing well. She’s been devastated for the kids," the source told a news outlet. "[It] was messy, painful and something she felt terrible about. But she always wanted her kids to have the best relationship possible with their dad. She never spoke poorly about Brandon to the kids."
