Dolly Parton Shares Heartfelt Words for Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire After Brandon Blackstock’s Death

The country music community is mourning alongside Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson following the death of Brandon Blackstock, a beloved figure in the industry. In the midst of their grief, the two women have received a heartfelt message of comfort from Dolly Parton, who has also faced deep personal loss this year.

Remembering Brandon Blackstock

Brandon Blackstock passed away on August 7, 2025, at the age of 48 after a three-year battle with melanoma. His family confirmed the news, sharing that he died peacefully surrounded by loved ones.

Brandon was the son of Narvel Blackstock, who married Reba McEntire in 1989. At the time, Brandon was 12 years old, and Reba would later say she never thought of him as a stepson, but as her own “blood.” Together, Narvel and Reba had a son, Shelby Blackstock, in 1990.

Brandon built a career in the music industry as a successful talent manager, working with high-profile clients including Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts, and Kelly Clarkson. He and Clarkson married in 2013 and had two children together, before divorcing in 2020. Brandon also had two older children from a previous marriage.

 

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Dolly Parton’s Own Heartbreak

Dolly Parton is no stranger to grief. On March 3, 2025, she lost her husband of nearly six decades, Carl Dean. She has been open about her struggle to adjust to life without him, sharing that she relies heavily on her faith, her work, and the happy memories they created together.

“It’s a big adjustment just trying to change patterns and habits,” Dolly said in one interview. “I’ll do fine, and I’m very involved in my work and that’s been the best thing that could happen to me. But I’ll always miss him, of course, and always love him. He was a great partner to me.”

Dolly’s Message to Reba and Kelly

During an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Dolly revealed she had spoken with Reba McEntire and offered her support. While she hadn’t yet connected with Kelly Clarkson, she shared a message for both women as they mourn Brandon’s loss.

“I think that you just have to be grateful for the years that you’ve had with someone,” Dolly said. “And you just try to remember the very best of all that…and take their energy that they had given you then, and just kind of recycle that, and let that become a part of you…just honor their memory and just know they’re in a better place than we are.”

Honoring Brandon’s Memory

For Reba, Kelly, and the Blackstock family, Dolly’s words serve as a reminder to focus on the love and memories shared rather than the pain of loss. Brandon’s legacy as a father, a music industry professional, and a beloved family member lives on in the hearts of those who knew him.