We Will Always Miss You, Brandon”: Shelby Blackstock’s Emotional Tribute Marks First Public Statement From the Family After Brandon Blackstock’s Death

The Blackstock family has broken their silence following the death of Brandon Blackstock, the 48-year-old talent manager, father of four, and ex-husband of Kelly Clarkson, who passed away on August 7 after a private, three-year battle with melanoma.

The first words came from Shelby Blackstock, Brandon’s 35-year-old half-brother and son of country music legend Reba McEntire. His Instagram post, raw and deeply personal, is already being shared widely among friends, fans, and country music circles — not just for its grief, but for the glimpses it gives into the bond these two men shared despite their 13-year age gap.

The Bond Between Brothers

Shelby’s post begins not with a formal announcement but with a confession:

“He taught me so much, leaving behind countless cherished memories that I will 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. Every hunt, every flight, and in the everyday moments of life, I’ll feel your presence.”

These are the words of a man who shared more than family ties with Brandon — they shared adventures, inside jokes, and the unspoken competition that comes with brotherhood.

And in true sibling fashion, Shelby slipped in a bit of humor to soften the pain:

“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.”

The post closes with a promise that echoes through the grieving family:

“We will always miss you, Brandon, and we will never stop loving, remembering and celebrating you.”

The Family Connection to Reba McEntire

Brandon Blackstock was not Reba McEntire’s biological son — he was the child of her former husband Narvel Blackstock and his first wife, Elisa Gilbert. But for over 26 years, during Reba and Narvel’s marriage, Brandon was very much “her boy.”

In multiple interviews over the years, Reba has been clear about the love she had for her stepson. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight in 2021, she said:

“Brandon’s been my son forever, it seems. Although he’s my stepson, I still love him like he’s my total — my blood.”

Even after her 2015 divorce from Narvel, she publicly supported both Brandon and Kelly Clarkson, even when their own marriage hit rough waters.

Brandon Blackstock’s Marriage and Family

Brandon married Kelly Clarkson in 2013 after a whirlwind romance, and together they had two children — River Rose, now 10, and Remington Alexander, 8. Clarkson became a stepmother to Brandon’s two older children, Savannah, 23, and Seth, 18, from his first marriage to Melissa Ashworth.

Though the couple divorced in 2022 after a very public and often contentious split, Clarkson made it clear last week that she was setting aside the past to be there for her kids during their father’s final days.

The Illness Few Knew About

Until this month, the public had no idea Brandon had been battling cancer. On August 6, Clarkson suddenly postponed the remainder of her August Las Vegas residency dates, citing a “difficult family situation” and the need to be present for her children.

One day later, the family released their statement confirming 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. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”

Multiple outlets have since confirmed that his cause of death was melanoma, one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer.

Shelby’s Role in Brandon’s Final Months

Family friends have revealed that Shelby was a steady presence for Brandon in his final months, often visiting without drawing attention. He reportedly accompanied Brandon on quiet fishing trips, flew with him for medical appointments, and helped coordinate family visits when travel was difficult.

Those close to the family say that Shelby’s heartfelt Instagram post was not just a public goodbye — it was the culmination of months of private goodbyes, long talks, and moments that will now serve as his most treasured memories.

Kelly Clarkson’s Response

While Clarkson has not yet made a full public statement beyond her earlier announcement about canceling shows, sources close to her told Us Weekly that she has been “devastated but focused entirely on the kids.”

“Her priority right now is River and Remy,” the insider said. “They are grieving the loss of their father, and she wants to be their rock.”

It’s understood that Clarkson and her children were with Brandon during his final days and that she has been in close contact with Brandon’s older children, Savannah and Seth.

Tributes from Friends and the Country Music World

In addition to Shelby’s post, friends of the family — including those from the country music scene — have shared their condolences privately and on social media. While the family has asked for privacy, it’s expected that many more tributes will pour in over the coming weeks.

Industry insiders note that Blake Shelton, a close friend of both Reba and Clarkson, has already reached out to offer his support. One source hinted that a private memorial service in Nashville is being planned, where music will play a central role in honoring Brandon’s life.

A Legacy of Family First

While Brandon Blackstock was known professionally as a talent manager — representing artists like Shelton and Clarkson herself during their marriage — those who knew him best say his real passion was family.

Even through two divorces, he remained deeply involved in his children’s lives, often splitting time between Montana and Tennessee to be with them.

“He was happiest when he was with his kids, out in nature, just being Brandon — not the manager, not Kelly Clarkson’s husband, not Reba’s stepson — just Dad,” a family friend said.

The Road Ahead for the Blackstock Family

As they navigate the coming weeks, the Blackstocks are relying on each other. Reba has reportedly been a source of strength for both Shelby and Kelly’s children, and Narvel, now remarried, has been actively involved in planning memorial arrangements.

Shelby’s statement marks the first public step in their grieving process — a reminder that while Brandon’s life was filled with high-profile connections, his relationships at home were the ones that mattered most.

Final Words

Brandon Blackstock’s life will be remembered for many things: his work in the music industry, his high-profile marriage, his connection to country royalty. But in Shelby’s words — funny, heartfelt, and brimming with brotherly love — we see the part of him that mattered most to those who knew him best.

“We will always miss you, Brandon, and we will never stop loving, remembering, and celebrating you.”

And perhaps that’s the most fitting legacy of all.