Dolly Parton Issues Advice to Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire After Brandon Blackstock's Deathoriginally appeared onParade. Dolly Partonis giving advice toKelly ClarksonandReba McEntirefollowing the death ofBrandon Blackstockat the age of 48 from melanoma. During an interview withEntertainment Tonightpublished on Tuesday, August 12, the country music icon gave the singers advice that drew on insight gathered after Parton's husband,Carl Dean, passed away at the age of 82 in March of this year. "I think you just have to be grateful for the years that you've had with someone and you just try to remember the very best of all that," Parton said. "Take their energy that they have given you… and kinda just recycle that and let that become a part of you." "Just honor their memory and just know they're in a better place than we are these days." she continued. RELATED:Kelly Clarkson's Ex-Husband Brandon Blackstock Dies at 48 Parton added that while she has yet to reach out to Clarkson and McEntire, she will "catch up: with them once she's wrapped up promotion for her bookStar of the Show: My Life on Stage. On August 7, Blackstock's family confirmed he had passed away after a 3-year battle with cancer. "It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away," a rep for the family said in a statement. "Brandon 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." The talent manager was known as both the ex-husband of Clarkson and the former stepson of McEntire. He was the father of two children with Clarkson,River, 11 andRemington, 9, and childrenSavannahandSethfrom a previous marriage. RELATED:Dolly Parton Reveals Heartbreaking Reason She's Putting New Music on 'Hold' 🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬 Dolly Parton Issues Advice to Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire After Brandon Blackstock's Deathfirst appeared on Parade on Aug 13, 2025 This story was originally reported byParadeon Aug 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
