Ayisha Collins/FilmMagic; Taylor Hill/Getty Reba McEntire is speaking out after former stepson Brandon Blackstock died at age 48 of cancer on Aug. 7 McEntire was previously married to Brandon's father Narvel Blackstock from 1989 to 2015 The country star was still identified as Brandon's stepmother in his obituary Reba McEntireis speaking out afterBrandon Blackstock'sdeath. The country superstar — who was previously married to Brandon's father Narvel Blackstock from 1989 to 2015, and was identified as Brandon's stepmother in his obituary — posted a tribute for Brandon onInstagramon Tuesday, Aug. 12. McEntire, 70, shared photos of herself and Brandon, writing in the caption, "Last week, my stepson/oldest son Brandon Blackstock went home to be with God. 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," McEntire wrote. "His legacy and laughter will be carried on through his family. Rest in peace cowboy. Happy trails to you til we meet again." The music star also paid tribute to her former stepson on Monday, Aug. 11 with a poignant comment posted under an Instagram carouselshared by her son Shelby Blackstock. "Very well said Shelby. Yes we will miss him so much 💔💔🙏💔❤️❤️❤️🙏💔," McEntire commented on Shelby'spostfrom Aug. 8, one day after Brandondied of melanoma, a form of skin cancer, at age 48. "Words cannot begin to capture the tremendous loss our family has endured. Yesterday, we lost a brother, a father, a grandfather, and a son," Shelby wrote in his caption. "Brandon Blackstock was an irreplaceable part of our family—funny, bright, and full of life—and he will be deeply missed." Reba McEntire/Instagram Shelby, 35, wrote that Brandon, a talent manager, "taught me so much, leaving behind countless cherished memories" that he would "hold onto forever." "For every treasured moment we shared, there are so many more we'll never get to make together, but I know you'll still be there," he wrote. "Every hunt, every flight, and in the everyday moments of life, I'll feel your presence. And although it may annoy you, you'll have to watch me do it all just a little better, a little smoother, and —let's be honest— looking far more handsome than you ever could in the process. 😏." Shelby concluded his message by writing, "We will always miss you, Brandon, and we will never stop loving, remembering and celebrating you." A rep for the family confirmed news of Brandon's death to PEOPLE with a statement. "It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away," the statement read. "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." Michael Buckner/Getty Kelly Clarkson, Brandon's ex-wife and McEntire's former stepdaughter-in-law, revealed that Brandon was ill on Wednesday, Aug. 6 as part of an announcement that she'd be postponing her Las Vegas residency in order to prioritize spending time with their children,daughter River Rose, 11, and son Remington Alexander, 9. "Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas," Clarkson, 43,wrote on Instagram. She added: "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." McEntire previously spoke about her connections to Clarkson and Brandon — who were married for seven years before they split in June 2020 — amid the former couple's lengthy divorce. https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf "You know, I love them both, Brandon's my stepson, Kelly's my good friend and I'm pulling for both of them," the "I'm a Survivor" hitmaker said in a2021 interviewwithExtra."I hope they're happy and healthy and pull through this." She added: "I pray that everybody gives them the encouragement that they can because they need it right now, both of them. I love them both with all my heart." Shelby Blackstock/Instagram In 2023, Clarkson revealed onWatch What Happens Livewith Andy Cohenthat she has maintained a positive relationship with "The Heart Won't Lie" artist despite her divorce from Brandon. "We were friends before Brandon and I got together,"Clarkson said of McEntire. "We text each other all the time." Clarkson also noted she andThe Voicecoach are "both women of sound mind that know that life doesn't work out sometimes." Read the original article onPeople
