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Reba McEntire embraced Brandon Blackstock as her own son.
The legendary country star, 70, was Blackstockâs stepmother when she was married to his father, Narvel Blackstock, from 1989 to 2015. Brandon Blackstock died on Thursday (August 7) after a battle with cancer that spanned more than three years. He was 48. The late talent manager is survived by children Savannah and Seth from a previous marriage, grandson Lake, and children River, 11, and Remington, 9, whom he shares with ex-wife Kelly Clarkson. Savannah also recently announced sheâs pregnant with another child.
Though McEntire has not publicly spoken about Brandon Blackstock since his death, the beloved singer-songwriter previously spoke about the duoâs close bond over the years. McEntire said in an interview with Entertainment Tonight in 2021, for example, that she couldnât âplay favoritesâ as her stepson and Clarkson went through their divorce. McEntire said âBrandon's been my son forever it seems. Although he's my stepson, I still love him like he's my total â my blood, so I'm praying for âem both 'cause I love âem both.â
âIt is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,â a rep confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE on Thursday. An unnamed source told the publication on Friday (August 8) that Clarkson is âdevastated for the kidsâ after his loss. âBrandon 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.â