Reba McEntire‘s son, Shelby Blackstock, is first to speak on behalf of the family after the death of Brandon Blackstock.

The 35-year-old half-brother to Brandon took to Instagram to share a touching, very brotherly statement.

• Brandon Blackstock died on Thursday (Aug. 7) after a 3-year cancer battle.
• He was the father of Kelly Clarkson’s two kids, River and Remington, as well as two children from a previous marriage.
• Clarkson and Blackstock were married from 2013 to 2022.

There’s a 13-year age gap between the two Blackstock men, but Shelby’s words and photos prove they were very close.

“He taught me so much, leaving behind countless cherished memories that I will hold onto forever,” he shares.

“For every treasured moment we shared, there are so many more we’ll never get to make together, but I know you’ll still be there. Every hunt, every flight, and in the everyday moments of life, I’ll feel your presence.”

“And although it may annoy you, you’ll have to watch me do it all just a little better, a little smoother, and — let’s be honest — looking far more handsome than you ever could in the process,” Shelby Blackstock continues.

“We will always miss you, Brandon, and we will never stop loving, remembering and celebrating you.”

Is Brandon Blackstock Reba McEntire’s Son?

Brandon Blackstock was Reba McEntire’s stepson, not her biological son. She says she loved and treated him like family during her marriage to Narvel Blackstock. It’s not clear how close they remained after the divorce.

The talent manager’s birth mother is Narvel Blackstock’s first wife, Elisa Gilbert. Hollywood Life shares that the couple was married from 1973 to 1988.

How Did Brandon Blackstock Die?

Blackstock’s illness didn’t become public until Aug. 6, when Clarkson shared that she was canceling dates in Las Vegas to be present for her children during a difficult time.

The public didn’t know he was battling cancer until the announcement that he’d died one day later:

“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.”

He had been battling melanoma.

Blackstock left behind four children, including two with his first wife.