It’s been one week since we reported that Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband Brandon Blackstock last Thursday at the age of 48. This tragically came after a private three year battle with cancer. Blackstock was also the former step son of the iconic country music star Reba McEntire. She was married to his father Narvel Blackstock from 1989 until they divorced in 2015.
Now, the country music legend Dolly Parton, who lost her husband of nearly 60 years back in March, is speaking out to offer Clarkson and McEntire some powerful powerful advice.
Parton’s Advice For Clarkson And McEntire
Parton, 79, lost her husband Carl Dean, who she was married to since 1966, when he passed away on March 3 at the age of 82. The country music icon has been left understandably devastated by his death. Now, Parton is speaking out to offer Clarkson and McEntire some words of wisdom in their time of grief. Indeed, Parton is urging her two fellow singers to remember the good times as they mourn Blackstock.
“I think that you just have to be grateful for the years that you’ve had with someone, and just try to remember the very best of all that,” Parton told Entertainment Tonight.
“Take their energy that they had given you then, and you just kind of recycle that, and let that become a part of you,” she continued. “Just honor their memory and just know they’re in a better place than we are these days.”
When asked if she’s contacted Clarkson since Blackstock’s death, Parton replied, “No, I have not. But I will, I’ll catch up with her.”
Parton went on to say that she was about to see McEntire later that day, as they were going to be working on something together.
“I love Reba and I love Kelly,” Parton declared.
“I have a lot of friends in the business,” she concluded, adding that she doesn’t often “get to really visit them.”
Blackstock Passes Away
Blackstock had been keeping his cancer battle private. The world had no idea that he was sick until Wednesday, August 6. It was then that Clarkson, 43, postponed the remaining August shows of her Las Vegas residency due to his illness.
“Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas,” Clarkson said at the time in a statement shared to social media.
“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 original American Idol winner continued. “I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.”
The next day, Blackstock’s family sadly announced his death.
“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. “We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”
Clarkson has been left “devastated” over Blackstock’s death for the sake of their children: a daughter River Rose, 11, and a son Remington, 9.
“When she found out that he was sick, she remained protective of him for their sake,” an insider told People Magazine. “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.”
McEntire Mourns Blackstock
As for McEntire, she took to Instagram on Tuesday to break her silence about Blackstock’s death.
“Last week, my stepson/oldest son Brandon Blackstock went home to be with God,” McEntire, 70, wrote alongside a series of photos of herself with Blackstock. “His struggle is over and he is in eternal peace in God’s presence.”
“There is no one else like him, and I’m thankful for the time we had together,” she added. “His legacy and laughter will be carried on through his family. Rest in peace cowboy. Happy trails to you til we meet again.”
Related: Reba McEntire’s Former Stepson Dead At 48 – Here’s How She Stepped Up To Help Him
This has clearly been a very difficult time for both Clarkson and McEntire. God bless Parton for reaching out to help them when they need it most. In the end, this only shows once again why the whole world loves Dolly Parton. There really is nobody else like her!