Reba McEntire Mourns Passing of Former Stepson Brandon Blackstock: “Rest in Peace, Cowboy”

Reba McEntire has released a heartfelt tribute following the death of her former stepson, Brandon Blackstock.

In a poignant Instagram letter on August 12, five days after the passing of the 48-year-old music manager was disclosed, McEntire celebrated Brandon’s enduring spirit and his infectious laughter.

McEntire, who shared 26 years of marriage with Brandon’s father, Narvel Blackstock, before their 2015 separation, wrote: “Last week, my stepson and eldest son, Brandon Blackstock, departed this world to be with God. His struggle is over, and he now rests in eternal peace in His presence.”

The country icon and The Voice mentor accompanied her reflection with intimate snapshots—one capturing a serene fishing excursion, another of them laughing together while feeding a chicken—and added, “There is simply no one else like him, and I’m grateful for every moment we had together.”

“His legacy and joy will live on through his family,” McEntire concluded. “Rest in peace, cowboy. Happy trails ’til we meet again.”

Although McEntire and Narvel have been apart for nearly a decade, she always referred to Brandon as if he were her own son and lovingly embraced Narvel’s two other children. Their son together, Shelby Blackstock, paid his own respects on August 8, writing on Instagram: “Words cannot begin to capture the tremendous loss our family has endured… We will always miss you, Brandon.” McEntire replied in the comments, “Very well said, Shelby. Yes, we will miss him so much.”

On the professional front, Brandon worked alongside McEntire at Narvel’s Starstruck Entertainment, guiding the careers of artists such as Blake Shelton and Carly Pearce, and representing his former wife, Kelly Clarkson, with whom he shared two children.

Starstruck announced his passing on August 7: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away. He bravely battled cancer for more than three years and passed away peacefully, surrounded by family.”

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