Reba McEntire shared an update on the family — including Kelly Clarkson’s children — after the passing of Brandon Blackstock last month. The late talent manager died on August 7 after privately battling cancer for more than three years. He was 48.

McEntire, 70, was married to Brandon’s father, Narvel Blackstock, from 1989 to 2015. Though Brandon was McEntire’s stepson, the legendary country artist told Entertainment Tonight in 2021 that “Brandon's been my son forever it seems. Although he's my stepson, I still love him like he's my total — my blood…”

McEntire and her fiancé, Happy’s Place co-star Rex Linn, caught up with Entertainment Tonight again on the red carpet at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, hosted Sunday (September 14) at The Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California. McEntire and Linn spoke with ET’s Cassie DiLaura about the star-studded upcoming season of Happy’s Place, the country star’s Golden Girls tribute with Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman and more. DiLaura also asked how McEntire and her family have been holding up after losing Brandon.

“We miss him. We miss him every minute,” McEntire said on the 2025 Emmy Awards red carpet. “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.”

DiLaura also asked about Shelby Blackstock, 35, McEntire’s son whom she welcomed with Narvel in 1990. Shelby shared a heartfelt tribute to his late brother last month. He said, in part: “Words cannot begin to capture the tremendous loss our family has endured. …We will always miss you, Brandon, and we will never stop loving, remembering and celebrating you.”

McEntire commented that Shelby’s tribute was “very well said,” and she followed up with a tribute of her own. She said “my stepson/oldest son Brandon Blackstock went home to be with God. His struggle is over and he is in eternal peace in God’s presence. There is no one else like him, and I’m thankful for the time we had together. His legacy and laughter will be carried on through his family. Rest in peace cowboy. Happy trails to you til we meet again.”

Brandon is survived by children Savannah and Seth from a previous marriage, grandson Lake, and children River, 11, and Remington, 9, whom he shared with ex-wife Clarkson. Savannah also recently announced she’s pregnant with another child.

Kathi Yeager