Reba McEntire Mourns Former Stepson Brandon Blackstock: ‘Rest in Peace, Cowboy’

Reba McEntire is speaking out following the death of her former stepson, Brandon Blackstock.

In a heartbreaking letter posted Tuesday (Aug. 12) — five days after the 48-year-old music manager’s death was first announced — the country singer-songwriter paid tribute to Brandon’s “legacy and laughter” on Instagram. McEntire and Narvel Blackstock, Brandon’s father, were married for 26 years before splitting in 2015.

“Last week, my stepson/oldest son Brandon Blackstock went home to be with God,” McEntire began. “His struggle is over and he is in eternal peace in God’s presence.”

The Voice coach also shared a handful of photos of herself and Brandon, including one snap of them fishing together, and another of the pair smiling while petting a chicken. “There is no one else like him, and I’m thankful for the time we had together,” she continued.

“His legacy and laughter will be carried on through his family,” McEntire added. “Rest in peace cowboy. Happy trails to you til we meet again.”

Even though Narvel and Reba actress parted ways a decade ago, McEntire often spoke of Brandon as if he were her own biological son. She is also a stepmom to Narvel’s two other children, as well as a mom to son Shelby Blackstock, who shared his own tribute to Brandon a few days ago.

“Words cannot begin to capture the tremendous loss our family has endured … We will always miss you, Brandon,” the race car driver wrote Aug. 8 on Instagram, to which McEntire replied in the comments, “Very well said Shelby. Yes we will miss him so much.”

In addition to being family, McEntire and Brandon also used to work together during the singer’s time at Starstruck Entertainment, which Narvel founded. While working with his father at the company, Brandon helped manage the careers of artists such as Blake Shelton and Carly Pearce. He was also used to represent ex-wife Kelly Clarkson, to whom he was married for seven years and shared two children.

Starstruck was the first to publicly announce Brandon’s death, posting a statement to social media on Aug. 7. “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” it read. “Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family.”