During an emotionally charged interview on the Emmys red carpet, Reba McEntire shared insights into her family’s dynamics following the passing of Brandon Blackstock, her former stepson. Brandon, who was previously married to singer Kelly Clarkson, lost his battle with cancer at 48 last month, leaving behind a blended family that McEntire remains closely tied to.
Reba was married to Narvel Blackstock, Brandon’s father, for 26 years. The bonds formed during this time have endured beyond their separation, especially as Reba became a figure in the lives of Brandon’s children with Clarkson—River Rose and Remy—as well as his children from a previous relationship, Savannah and Seth. The passing of Brandon has brought the family closer, navigating this difficult period together.
When approached about her family’s coping mechanism, McEntire expressed, “We miss him every minute. The kids are doing well. They’re all bonding together and hanging out with each other and taking it one day at a time. We know God’s got this.”
In a lighter moment during the interview, McEntire shared her recent engagement to actor Rex Linn, whom she met on the set of Happy’s Place. The couple has been in a relationship for five years, and this engagement marks a new chapter for McEntire, who has been married twice before. Her history with marriage, as she shared in a previous discussion with E! News, reflects her openness to life’s possibilities and her supportive nature towards her partner’s desires.
“If that’s something he feels totally strong about, that’s fine with me. He’s never been married before. So, if he wants to experience that, I’m OK with that,” McEntire stated, highlighting her flexible approach to relationships.
As she continues to navigate her multifaceted life—balancing personal happiness with family commitments—McEntire remains a beloved figure whose resilience and warmth resonate with many.