Reba McEntire Kelly Clarkson Relationship: Latest Update on Kelly and Kids After Brandon Blackstock’s Death
Feb. 2, 2026 — On the red carpet ahead of the 2026 Grammy Awards, Reba McEntire shared an update on the Reba McEntire Kelly Clarkson relationship, stating that Kelly Clarkson and her children are “hanging in there” five months after the death of Brandon Blackstock, Clarkson’s ex-husband and McEntire’s stepson.
Blackstock died on August 7, 2025, from melanoma after a three-year private battle with the disease. McEntire, who was married to Blackstock’s father Narvel Blackstock from 1989 to 2015, referred to him as her “son.”
“Everybody’s hanging in there.”
— Reba McEntire, People
Family Ties and Historical Connection
The Reba McEntire Kelly Clarkson relationship stems from family marriages. McEntire became stepmother to Brandon Blackstock through her union with Narvel. Clarkson married Brandon in 2013, making her McEntire’s daughter-in-law until their 2022 divorce. Despite the divorces, their bond endured, with shared professional ties as co-stars and mentors on The Voice.
Post-Divorce Friendship
Clarkson has affirmed the positive nature of the Reba McEntire Kelly Clarkson relationship after her split from Blackstock.
“We were friends before Brandon and I got together… We text each other all the time… We were both women of sound mind that know that life doesn’t work out sometimes. So yeah, no hard feelings there. Just feelings!”
— Kelly Clarkson, People
McEntire echoed a desire to reconnect more frequently, noting they do not see each other as often as before.
Coping with Loss
In September 2025, McEntire provided further insight into how Clarkson and her children—River Rose, 11, and Remington “Remy” Alexander, 9—are managing.
“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.”
— Reba McEntire, Billboard
She described Blackstock as full of “life, joy, love,” a prankster whose memory is kept alive in family texts.
Recent Developments in the Reba McEntire Kelly Clarkson Relationship
A December 2025 report indicated Clarkson, 43, has turned to McEntire for advice on new relationships following Blackstock’s death, sharing a list of desired partner qualities with trusted friends including the country icon. Clarkson is said to feel confident and grounded, prioritizing her children and career while exploring matchmaking support.
