Reba McEntire Opens Up About Coping and Love: Kelly Clarkson’s Family Bonds After Tragedy
SHOCKING TRAGEDY STRIKES: Reba McEntire Opens Up About Stepson's Sudden Passing, Plus a Major Love Update!
In a shocking turn of events, country music legend Reba McEntire has spoken out about the devastating loss of her former stepson, Brandon Blackstock, just one month after his untimely passing at 48. The 70-year-old superstar, who recently announced her engagement to actor Rex Linn, 68, revealed how she and the family are coping with their grief on the red carpet of the Primetime Emmy Awards.
"It's been a tough time for all of us," Reba told Entertainment Tonight in an emotional interview. "But we're taking it one day at a time, just like we always do. We know God's got this." The country music icon added that Brandon's four children - including two with Kelly Clarkson - are doing well and bonding together to support each other.
The tragedy of Brandon Blackstock's passing has left fans reeling. The doting father had bravely battled a serious form of skin cancer, melanoma, for over three years before succumbing to the disease on August 7. "It's just so sad," Reba said, her voice trembling with emotion. "We're all still in shock."
Brandon shared two children with Kelly Clarkson - nine-year-old Remy and 11-year-old River Rose - as well as daughter Savannah, 23, and Seth, 18, from his first marriage to Melissa Ashworth. Brandon's family released a statement at the time of his passing, thanking fans for their "thoughts and prayers" and asking for respect during this difficult time.
Reba was married to Narvel Blackstock, Brandon's father, from 1989 to 2015. Her son, Shelby Blackstock, who is also Brandon's half-brother, has been particularly close to his late uncle. "Shelby is doing great," Reba revealed on the red carpet. "He's always been a strong one."
Just days after Brandon's passing, Reba paid tribute to her former stepson with a heartfelt comment on Instagram. "Very well said Shelby," she wrote under an Instagram post shared by Shelby. "Yes we will miss him so much." The singer accompanied her words with various red heart and broken heart emojis.
In other news, Reba has also been keeping busy preparing for her upcoming nuptials to actor Rex Linn. The happy couple quietly confirmed their engagement on the red carpet at the Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday night. An E! News reporter referred to them as "fiancés" during an interview, and the duo smiled knowingly and nodded in response.
According to People, Reba and Rex have been dating since 2020, but they first met back in the 1990s when they starred together in The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw. Their romance blossomed five years ago after Rex showed up with a gesture of kindness during one of Reba's toughest moments.
"Mama got sick," she recalled on Today in October 2021, "and he called me. He was so kind and thoughtful." The singer explained that their friendship reignited in March 2020 when they started talking again and eventually reconnected in June. "We've been pretty much inseparable ever since," she gushed.
So, will Reba McEntire be walking down the aisle with Rex Linn soon? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure - the country music legend is ready to say "I do!"
