Reba McEntire’s Son Mourns ‘Tremendous Loss’ of Brandon Blackstock: ‘We Will Always Miss You’

Reba McEntire’s son, Shelby Blackstock, is paying tribute to his half brother Brandon Blackstock.

“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, 35, wrote via Instagram on Friday, August 8. “Brandon Blackstock was an irreplaceable part of our family — funny, bright and full of life — and he will be deeply missed.”

In a collage of photos, Shelby shared happy memories with his half brother, including moments from various family vacations.

“He taught me so much, leaving behind countless cherished memories that I will hold onto forever,” Shelby continued. “For every treasured moment we shared, there are so many more we’ll never get to make together, but I know you’ll still be there. Every hunt, every flight, and in the everyday moments of life, I’ll feel your presence.”

On Thursday, August 7, Us Weekly confirmed that Brandon had died after a private battle with cancer. He was 48.

“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,” a rep for the family said in a statement to Us. “We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”

As Brandon’s family continues to grieve, Shelby is promising to make new memories while also never forgetting the happy times he shared with his half brother.

“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 😏,” he wrote via Instagram. “We will always miss you, Brandon, and we will never stop loving, remembering and celebrating you.”

Shelby is the son of McEntire, 70, and Narvel Blackstock, while Brandon is the son of Narvel and his first wife, Elisa Gayle Ritter.

Just five months before his death, Brandon had the opportunity to reunite with Shelby alongside McEntire and her boyfriend, Rex Linn, at RodeoHouston in March.

“Family time, the @rodeohouston and corn dogs,” Shelby wrote via Instagram on March 5. “We had a blast in Houston watching @rissablackstock experience her first rodeo [and] being able to spend cherished time with family! Mom’s concert was the icing on the cake!”

Although Brandon found success as a music manager, he lived a more private life after he divorced Kelly Clarkson in 2022. (Brandon shared Seth, 11, and River Rose, 9, with Clarkson, 43, and Savannah, 23, and Seth, 19, with ex-wife Melissa Ashworth.)

After splitting from the American Idol winner, Brandon moved to Montana and quietly worked as a rancher.