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Brandon Blackstock’s Final Months: rodeo, Family, and a Brave Battle with Cancer
A family spokesperson confirmed the passing of Brandon Blackstock, former music executive and ex-husband of Kelly Clarkson, after a three-year struggle with melanoma.Just five months before his death at age 48,Blackstock was photographed enjoying a seemingly joyful outing with his ex-stepmother,country music icon Reba McEntire,and half-brother,Shelby Blackstock,at the RodeoHouston event in March.
Did you know? – Brandon Blackstock’s father, Narvel, was Reba McEntire’s manager and husband for 26 years. McEntire became Brandon’s stepmother when she married Narvel in 1989. The couple divorced in 2015.
The gathering, attended by McEntire’s boyfriend Rex Linn, offered a glimpse of family connection amidst a complex personal history. Shelby Blackstock shared photos from the event on Instagram on March 5, celebrating “family time, the @rodeohouston and corn dogs.” He further elaborated on the day, noting, “We had a blast in Houston watching @rissablackstock experience her first rodeo being able to spend cherished time with family! Mom’s concert was the icing on the cake!”
Images from the event, posted to Shelby Blackstock’s Instagram account, showcased a blended family dynamic. Brandon was seen alongside his half-brother,Shelby,and numerous other relatives at RodeoHouston. A collection of pictures featured Shelby with his wife, Marissa Blackstock, and other family members.
Three of Brandon’s children were also present: River Rose, 11, and Remington, 9, whom he shared with Clarkson, and his 23-year-old daughter, Savannah, from a previous relationship with Melissa Ashworth. In the photos, Brandon, wearing jeans, a denim jacket, and a black cowboy hat, appeared to be smiling, though observers noted he looked slightly pale. He was also captured playfully attempting an arcade game while Shelby looked on.
Reader question: – What do you think it was like for Brandon’s children to navigate their parents’ divorce and his illness? Share your thoughts on the impact of these events on the family dynamic.
Brandon’s family history is marked by both connection and change. He, along with siblings Shawna and Chassidy, are the children of Narvel Blackstock and his first wife, Elisa Gayle Ritter. Following Narvel Blackstock’s relationship with McEntire and the birth of Shelby, the country star became a stepmother to Brandon. Narvel and McEntire later divorced in 2015, with McEntire subsequently beginning a relationship with Linn.
The news of Blackstock’s passing came after a difficult period for all involved. He had finalized his divorce from Clarkson in 2022, following their separation in 2020.Just days before his death, Clarkson announced the postponement of her Las Vegas residency, citing her ex-husband’s illness. “unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas,” Clarkson wrote on Instagram. “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.”
Pro tip: – When dealing with sensitive topics like illness and loss, it’s important to approach the subject with empathy and respect for the individuals involved. Focus on factual data and avoid speculation.
A family spokesperson released a statement confirming Blackstock’s peaceful passing surrounded by loved ones. “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
