“He did not win with cancer” : Reba McEntire breaks down over stepson Brandon Blackstock’s death

Reba McEntire broke down in tears on Monday’s broadcast of The Voice as she opened up about losing her stepson, Brandon Blackstock. The emotional reaction followed contestant Aubrey Nicole’s performance of Martina McBride’s “I’m Gonna Love You Through It,” a song centered around illness and support. The lyrics prompted Reba McEntire to share her own experience with loss.

“I lost my oldest son because he did not win with cancer so that was a real reminder that life goes on and we sing songs about it so that we can remember the ones that we love so much and that we lean on at times like this,” she shared on the show.

Us Weekly reported in August that Brandon had died at 48 after a private battle with cancer. Reba McEntire had known Brandon since childhood. She began seeing his father, Narvel Blackstock, when Brandon was just 4. The couple married in 1989. In an interview with People earlier this month, McEntire recalled that Brandon had been “13, 14” when she officially became part of the family.

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Family asks for privacy as Brandon Blackstock’s death is confirmed:

Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, died on Thursday, August 7. He was 48 years old.

“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away. 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 privacy during this very difficult time,” a family spokesperson told Us Weekly.

The news followed Clarkson’s announcement the day prior that she would be pausing her Las Vegas performances. At that time, she noted that Blackstock had been dealing with a serious illness but did not go into specifics. “Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas,” she said in a statement on August 6.

“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. I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding,” she shared.

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Reba McEntire reflects on stepson Brandon Blackstock months after his death:

Months after the passing of her stepson, Reba McEntire spoke with People about the bond they shared and the memories she continues to hold close. “Along with his mom and dad, I helped raise him, along with [step kids] Shawna and Chassidy. They were my kids,” McEntire said, reflecting on their blended family.

She remembered Blackstock as playful and full of humor. The Happy’s Place star said he was “so funny” and that he loved to “pull pranks.” “He loved to scare people,” McEntire noted, recalling their days at Starstruck in Nashville.

“I’d be sitting at my desk and I’d see Penny Chubb walk by going to the lady’s room, and then here comes Brandon. He’d hide behind the pillar,” she shared.

Reba McEntire said that what lingered most was his joy and his energy.

“Brandon is sorely missed, truly missed with his mischievousness and his love of life. He brought joy to everybody that met him, and we’ll never forget him,” she explained.

Shortly after his death, Reba McEntire honored him publicly on Instagram.

“Last week, 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,” she wrote.

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Despite personal heartbreak, Reba McEntire continues to shine professionally:

Amid her personal grief, Reba McEntire continues to stay busy professionally. JoAnna Garcia Swisher is set to guest star in Season 2 of McEntire’s NBC comedy Happy’s Place, Variety reports. The new season premieres November 7 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

Garcia Swisher will play Kenzie, a Knoxville influencer brought in to run a social media marketing campaign for Happy’s Place, much to the annoyance of McEntire’s character, Bobbie. The guest appearance marks a heartwarming reunion for the two actresses, who previously starred together for six seasons on the hit sitcom Reba, where Swisher played Reba McEntire's daughter, Cheyenne.

Garcia Swisher currently stars in Netflix’s Sweet Magnolias, which is preparing for its fifth season. She is the latest Reba cast member to appear on Happy’s Place, following cameo appearances in Season 1 by Steve Howey and Christopher Rich. The Happy’s Place cast also includes Belissa Escobedo, Melissa Peterman, Pablo Castelblanco, Tokala Black Elk, and Rex Linn.