We previously reported that Kelly Clarkson ex-husband Brandon Blackstock died on Thursday at the age of 48. This tragically came after a private three year battle with cancer. Brandon was the former stepson of the country music legend Reba McEntire. Indeed, she was married to Brandon’s father Narvel for 26 years from 1989 until they divorced in 2015.
Now, insiders are speaking out to reveal how Reba stepped up to help Brandon in his final years.
Reba Steps Up To Help Brandon
“Reba has spent more time with the Blackstock crew in the past year than in years prior,” an insider told US Weekly. Prior to that, the source admitted that past years were “contentious.”
“They really came together,” the insider added.
Earlier this year, Reba was spotted with Brandon and other members of the Blackstock family at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. There, Reba was one of three headliners.
“When she did her rodeo concert, which was a big deal for her, she flew out the entire family and they made a family vacation out of it,” the source added. “They all spent a lot of time together.”
Reba’s 35 year-old son Shelby Blackstock, who she shares with Narvel, posted photos of the group to Instagram in March. The photos showed Reba posing with her boyfriend Rex Linn along with Brandon’s oldest daughter Savannah, 23. He shares Savannah and her younger brother Seth, 18, with ex-wife Melissa Ashworth. Brandon’s sisters Chassidy and Shawna could be seen in the images as well.
“Narvel and his wife, Laura, and Reba’s boyfriend, Rex, are at a place where they can be together and talk, which is a big step,” the insider continued. “Reba has a heart of gold, and she was there for Brandon and his kids. They are family at the end of the day.”
Brandon Passes Away
The Blackstock family announced Brandon’s death to the world on Thursday.
“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,” 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.”
After divorcing his first wife, Brandon married the original American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson in 2013, also becoming her manager. They became parents to daughter River Rose, 11, and son Remington, 9. Brandon and Kelly split in 2020. However, their divorce wasn’t finalized until 2022 thanks to a series of bitter legal battles.
Backstory: Kelly Clarkson’s Ex-Husband Brandon Blackstock Dead At 48 After Cancer Battle
Kelly Protected Brandon’s Privacy
Another insider spoke out to say that Kelly was determined to protect Brandon’s privacy “even though they went through an acrimonious divorce.”
“He’d been sick for a while, but his health really took a turn for the worse earlier this year. That’s why she was MIA from her talk show,” the source explained. This was a reference to Kelly’s nearly two-week absence from The Kelly Clarkson Show in late February and early March.
“Out of respect, Kelly chose not to say anything publicly until it became clear this week that Brandon wasn’t going to make it,” the insider continued.
On Wednesday, the day before Brandon’s death, Kelly announced that she would be postponing the remaining August shows of her Las Vegas residency.
“Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas,” she wrote on 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. I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.”
Related: Sad Details Emerge About Kelly Clarkson’s Ex-Husband’s Death After He Passes Away At 48
We applaud Reba and Kelly for stepping up to help Brandon when he needed it most. Please join us in saying a prayer for the entire Blackstock family as they mourn this loss.
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