Reba McEntire on Stepson Brandon Blackstock: “I Love Him as If He Were My Own Son”

A Bond Beyond Blood

Reba McEntire, the legendary “Queen of Country,” has always been known for her authenticity, warmth, and deep devotion to family. Among the many people she has loved and cherished throughout her life, one relationship stands out as particularly heartfelt—her bond with her former stepson, Brandon Blackstock.

Though not connected by biology, Reba has spoken many times over the years about how she considers Brandon as much her own as if he were her natural-born son. From the earliest days of knowing him, she embraced him with open arms and an open heart, blending their lives into a family defined not by titles or legal ties, but by mutual love and respect.

She has often recalled how natural it felt to welcome him into her life. “I love him like he’s my blood,” she once said, a phrase that perfectly captures the sincerity and depth of her feelings. To Reba, being a stepmother never meant being “less of a mother.” It simply meant loving without conditions.

Life as a Blended Family

When Reba married Narvel Blackstock in 1989, she gained not just a husband, but also three stepchildren: Brandon, Chassidy, and Shawna. From day one, she insisted on treating them as her own, refusing to use the term “stepchildren” in her home. She believed that family is built on commitment and care, not merely on shared DNA.

Reba’s approach to parenting in a blended household was hands-on and compassionate. She attended school events, celebrated birthdays, and offered guidance through life’s challenges. Over the years, she and Brandon shared countless family holidays, vacations, and moments of everyday life.

Her parenting style was a mix of warmth and strength—offering both unconditional love and the occasional dose of tough advice when needed. This foundation of mutual respect and trust became the core of their relationship.

Staying Connected After Divorce

When Reba and Narvel divorced in 2015, it would have been easy for their family bonds to loosen. But for Reba, her relationship with Brandon was not dependent on her marriage to his father. She continued to maintain contact, checking in on him regularly, celebrating his successes, and supporting him through challenges.

Even after Brandon built a life of his own, Reba remained a steady presence. She saw him not only as a son but as a friend—someone she could talk to about anything, and who knew her heart better than most.

It’s a rare thing for step-relationships to survive intact after divorce, but Reba and Brandon proved that love built on respect and shared history can endure, even when legal ties are gone.

A Complex Role During His Marriage to Kelly Clarkson

In 2013, Brandon married singer and television star Kelly Clarkson, adding another layer to Reba’s blended family. Reba and Kelly had been friends long before the marriage, and the union only brought them closer.

During the years Brandon and Kelly were together, Reba took on the role of both stepmother and friend, navigating family gatherings with warmth and diplomacy. She adored Kelly and deeply respected her artistry, but she also cared deeply for Brandon.

When their marriage ended in 2022, Reba did something few manage in such situations—she refused to choose sides. Instead, she kept her friendships with both, offering each kindness and understanding. She spoke publicly about her affection for them both, making it clear that her love for Brandon would not waver and her friendship with Kelly would remain intact.

Moments That Mattered

Over the years, Reba and Brandon shared many personal milestones. They attended concerts together, enjoyed rodeos, and celebrated life’s big and small victories. One of the most cherished memories Reba spoke about was a family outing to the Houston Rodeo, where they enjoyed time together away from the public eye.

These moments weren’t about celebrity or status—they were about genuine connection. Whether sitting side by side at a sporting event, sharing a laugh at the dinner table, or exchanging heartfelt words in private, Reba and Brandon’s bond was built on the kind of simple, real-life moments that make relationships truly meaningful.

Supporting Him Through Illness

In recent years, Brandon faced a private and difficult battle with cancer. True to her nature, Reba was there for him—offering not only her presence but her unwavering emotional support. She made sure he knew he was not alone, visiting, calling, and reminding him of the love that surrounded him.

Her devotion did not fade, even in the most challenging of circumstances. Family and friends recall that she was a constant source of comfort, making sure he felt valued and cherished throughout his illness.

Saying Goodbye

When Brandon passed away at the age of 48, the loss was devastating for those who loved him. For Reba, it was the loss of someone she had claimed as her own for decades. Her grief was deeply personal—a reflection of the many years of shared life, mutual respect, and unconditional love.

Though his life ended too soon, Reba has expressed that his spirit lives on in the hearts of everyone who knew him. She speaks of him not with sadness alone, but with gratitude for the time they shared and the lessons he left behind.

A Legacy of Love

Reba McEntire’s reflections on Brandon Blackstock offer a beautiful reminder that family is not defined solely by bloodlines. Her bond with him was a testament to the power of chosen love—the kind that grows out of shared experiences, loyalty, and genuine care.

In speaking about Brandon, Reba never reduced their relationship to the technicality of being “step” anything. She made it clear that he was, in every way that mattered, her son.

This legacy of love is perhaps the greatest gift she could have given him—and it’s one that continues to inspire others navigating the complexities of blended families. Her example shows that bonds formed by the heart can be just as enduring, if not more so, than those formed by birth.

Conclusion

Reba McEntire’s relationship with Brandon Blackstock stands as a heartfelt chapter in her life story. It was a connection built not on obligation but on choice—one she nurtured through decades of change, joy, hardship, and love.

In remembering him, Reba has reminded the world that love knows no boundaries. Her words, “I love him like he’s my blood,” will remain a powerful testament to the family we choose, and the people who become our own through the simple, extraordinary act of loving them.