Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 9, 2025 · Entertainment

Heartbreak and Honors: Shelby Blackstock Pays Tribute to Brother Brandon

Reba McEntire's son Shelby Blackstock has shared a heartbreaking post in honor of his half-brother Brandon who passed away on Thursday at the age of 48

SHOCKING DEATH ROCKS CELEBRITY CIRCLE: Kelly Clarkson's Ex-Husband Brandon Blackstock Dies at 48 After Brave Battle with Cancer

In a devastating blow to his family and friends, Brandon Blackstock, the ex-husband of singer Kelly Clarkson, has passed away at the age of 48 after a three-year battle with melanoma. The news has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with many taking to social media to pay their respects to the beloved talent manager.

But what makes this story even more tragic is that Brandon's death comes just days after his ex-wife Kelly postponed the remainder of her Las Vegas residency concerts due to family obligations. Sources close to the couple revealed that Brandon had been unwell for some time, but Kelly was determined to be by his side during his final moments.

The former talent manager died following a three-year cancer battle with melanoma ¿ and is the ex-husband of singer Kelly Clarkson; seen above in 2020 in Santa Monica

The couple's children, River Rose, 11, and Remington, nine, will undoubtedly feel the loss of their father deeply, and it's clear that Kelly is struggling to cope with the news. In a heartfelt statement on Instagram, she wrote: "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." Her fans have rallied around her, sending messages of support and understanding.

So who was Brandon Blackstock, and what made him so beloved by his friends and family? A former talent manager with a passion for racing, Brandon was known for his larger-than-life personality and infectious charm. His love of adventure and the great outdoors was evident in the many photos he shared on social media, where he could be seen riding horses, driving cars, and enjoying time with loved ones.

But behind the scenes, sources reveal that Brandon's marriage to Kelly was a tumultuous one. The couple had a whirlwind romance before tying the knot in 2013, but their relationship began to fray just two years later. Insiders claim that Brandon's infidelity and lack of support for Kelly's career were major contributors to their eventual split.

Brandon is the son of Narvel Blackstock and Elisa Gayle Ritter. Narvel was later married to Reba from 1989 through 2015 ¿ and they welcomed son Shelby together

Despite their bitter divorce, which was finalized in 2022, Kelly has spoken highly of her ex-husband in recent interviews. "I love them both, Brandon's my stepson, Kelly's my good friend," Reba McEntire, Kelly's mother-in-law, told Extra in 2021. "And I'm pulling for them both. I hope they're happy and healthy and pull through this... I love them both with all my heart."

But it seems that Brandon's legacy will live on through his children, who will undoubtedly miss him dearly. As Shelby Blackstock, Brandon's son from a previous marriage, wrote in a heartfelt tribute: "Words cannot begin to capture the tremendous loss our family has endured. Yesterday, we lost a brother, a father, a grandfather, and a son... You taught me so much, leaving behind countless cherished memories that I will hold onto forever."

The news of Brandon's passing has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with many celebrities taking to social media to pay their respects. As one fan wrote: "RIP Brandon Blackstock. May your memory live on through your beautiful family and loved ones."

The race car driver penned an emotional tribute to Brandon on Friday alongside an assortment of throwback photos

'Brandon Blackstock was an irreplaceable part of our family ¿ funny, bright, and full of life ¿ and he will be deeply missed,' Shelby wrote

'We will always miss you, Brandon, and we will never stop loving, remembering and celebrating you,' Shelby concluded

He included a variety of photos in the post, with some showing Shelby and Brandon posing for pictures together

One was taken as the pair shared an embrace while others showed Brandon with his family as well as Reba

'Brandon's been my son forever it seems,' she told Entertainment Tonight back in 2021. 'Although he's my stepson, I still love him like he's my total ¿ my blood'; Reba seen in May in Texas

As a result, Brandon's ex-wife Kelly was her daughter-in-law for nearly a decade, and the two have remained good friends in spite of the pair's bitter divorce; former couple seen in 2018 in Nashville

Reba seen above with son Shelby

On Wednesday, Kelly took to Instagram to announce the postponement of the remainder of her Las Vegas residency concerts for August

Kelly and Brandon were married from 2013 until 2022, and also welcomed two children: River, 11, and Remington, nine